
Linda Rose, 79, recalled the day she was fitted with hearing aids in January 2021.
“From the second I put them on, I could hear everything I had been missing,” Rose said. “It was so exciting. It has made such a difference in my life.”
According to audiologist Diane ScheckLong, who is a clinical assistant professor of audiology at NIU, hearing loss in older adults is common. It’s called presbycusis, an age-related hearing loss that is characterized by deterioration of the tiny hair cells in the inner ear.
“Most people describe it as the inability to hear clearly; they can hear but understanding and following conversation become difficult for those with presbycusis,” ScheckLong said. “In our 60s or 70s, many adults will begin experiencing some difficulty with speech clarity, and because it happens very gradually, many don’t realize that they have hearing loss.”
Individuals report that others are mumbling or talking too fast. They often deny their hearing loss and try to hide it from others.
Others simply accept it as a routine part of the aging process and live with it. Rose did just that.
“My hearing loss was gradual,” she said. “But looking back, I was missing out on a lot. I think, because I had a negative view of hearing aids, I just accepted it.”
ScheckLong said getting a baseline hearing exam is important so issues can be identified. Moreover, masking even minor hearing loss can have serious consequences.
“When an individual cannot hear well, they often withdraw and appear disinterested in things around them,” ScheckLong said. “This can lead to isolation, loneliness and a change in their quality of life.”
Consider losing music, movies and conversations with friends and loved ones. A once-welcomed phone call turns into a chore when you can’t hear the caller’s voice. A missed comment can change the context and intended message of a conversation.
“Sometimes I wouldn’t hear what was said but I would pretend I did,” Rose said. “I’d get tired of saying what? It was frustrating.”
The good news is that hearing loss is treatable, ScheckLong said. Hearing aids can make great improvements, and people are often surprised by how they look and feel.
“Hearing aids are amazing little devices these days,” the audiologist said. “You may remember elderly people with big clunky devices that often whistled and squealed; that’s no longer.”
Hearing aids are small and vary in style from those that fit inside the ear to small devices that sit behind the ear. They can automatically adapt to a variety of environments and make adjustments almost transparently.
Over-the-counter options are now available for those who have a mild to moderate degree of hearing loss, but it’s recommended to first be evaluated by an audiologist to determine if you would be a good candidate for those devices.
“Having your hearing tested—and learning about your hearing ability— is an essential part of taking care of yourself as you age,” ScheckLong said.
Rose agreed.
“At first, I felt so sad that I didn’t get hearing aids sooner,” the 79-year-old said. “I missed so much, and I didn’t want to admit that. Now, I am so thankful to Diane for giving me one of my senses back.”
Her advice to others is simple.
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