Unfortunately, older adults are not routinely screened for hearing loss by health care providers. It is relatively quick and easy to administer a hearing test using an audiometer. This test assesses the magnitude and pattern of the hearing impairment as well as the type of hearing loss (e.g., conductive, sensory, or central).

 

Signs of Hearing Impairment

Other people, particularly women and children, are hard to understand. People do not seem to speak clearly-- it sounds as if they are mumbling. Background noise makes it even harder to hear. Certain sounds seem loud or annoying. A background hissing or ringing is heard. Social events such as parties, concerts, or watching television are less enjoyable because you can't hear as well. You find yourself straining to understand what others are saying.

Treatment

About one in three older adults have their hearing reduced by up to 35% because of the accumulation of ear wax which blocks the sound. This is one of the most treatable causes of hearing loss; health care professionals can remove excess ear wax. Another common cause of hearing loss among older adults is medications, especially antibiotics or diuretics which can cause permanent hearing impairment.

A hearing aid amplifies the intensity of sound and can be an effective way to improve the hearing of most older adults. Nearly 2 million older people own hearing aids. Unfortunately, less than 30 percent of those people actually use the hearing aids, many for only a few hours per week. Many older people dislike hearing aids because room noises can be very distracting when they are amplified.

Fortunately, recent technological advances are improving the quality of the experience which may make them more acceptable. In addition, hearing aids are becoming smaller and which helps to remove the stigma of using them. Digitally programmable hearing aids allow individuals to adapt their hearing needs to different social contexts. However, hearing aids are quite expensive and most heath insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover the cost.