Should I Consider Getting a Hearing Aid?
Understanding Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids as You Age
As you get older, the chance of experiencing some hearing loss increases. While only 2% of adults aged 45 to 54 have significant hearing loss, this percentage grows with age. In fact, about 25% of those aged 65 to 74 and half of those over 75 experience it, as reported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Knowing about hearing aids and how they work is crucial for managing age-related hearing loss, allowing you to continue enjoying life fully.
Recognizing the Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss from aging usually happens slowly, making it tough to spot early on. However, being aware of common signs can help you identify any issues sooner. Look out for signs like:
- Sounds seeming muffled
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Struggling to hear in noisy places
- Needing to turn up the TV or radio louder than before
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
- Ringing in your ears
- Sensation of fluid or pressure in your ears
- Trouble talking on the phone
If these signs are familiar, it might be time to get your hearing checked.
Dealing with Hearing Loss and Getting Hearing Aids
Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, usually affects both ears and can be hereditary. Conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, common in older adults, can also play a role.
While preventing this type of hearing loss isn’t possible yet, hearing aids can significantly lessen its impact. These devices amplify sounds, making it easier to interact and converse. They come in various styles, either worn inside or behind the ear.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aids
To understand your hearing loss better, you might undergo a hearing test, usually with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor. But you don’t always need a doctor’s visit before getting hearing aids, as the FDA allows adults over 18 with mild to moderate hearing loss to buy them over the counter.
When selecting hearing aids, consider the design (inner-ear or behind-the-ear), features, reviews, maintenance needs, and warranty. It’s also wise to check if there’s a trial period. An audiologist can guide you through this process and recommend the best options for your needs.
Once you have your hearing aids, there might be an adjustment period. If you experience any issues like whistling sounds or background noise, an audiologist can assist in fine-tuning them.
How Hearing Aids Work
Hearing aids amplify sound vibrations. They have a microphone to capture sounds, an amplifier to boost the signals, and a speaker to deliver the enhanced sound to your ear. They run on batteries.
If your hearing isn’t what it used to be, you’re not alone. Many older adults experience hearing loss, particularly those over 75. Consulting an ENT or audiologist can help you find the right hearing aids for your needs, improving your hearing and making conversations easier. Stay alert to any hearing loss signs and talk to a healthcare professional about any concerns you have.
