Hearing loss shouldn't be a struggle met with silence and embarrassment.
It might surprise you to learn that hearing loss in your senior years is relatively common, with one in three people having some form of loss at age 65+, according to the NIH. Moreover, there are lots of effective, discreet, and modern solutions to help improve your hearing and your quality of life.
We'll explore some of those hearing loss solutions in this article. We'll also share some of the different types of hearing loss and symptoms and how that may impact your treatment plan.
Age-related hearing loss is gradual. So, it may not be apparent for some time that there is a problem beyond the usual hearing challenges that people face when chatting in loud environments. However, there are some early signs that you should monitor:
Any of these signs are worth getting checked, and that starts with a hearing screening. In your senior years, you should also get regular screenings, even when you don't have notable symptoms of hearing loss.
Suppose you attend a hearing screening and get a diagnosis from your healthcare audiologist. In that case, they will talk to you about aids and other solutions. Hearing loss can be gradual, and every diagnosis is unique, so you can expect your treatment plan to be tailored.
An audiology services team will also be able to customize your plan to fit your lifestyle and budget.
When you first get a fitting for a hearing aid, you'll find an adjustment period. This is your brain in action, taking in new lessons about how to process sounds. You'll also have follow-up appointments to ensure the settings give you optimal performance.
The healthcare team will also talk to you about maintaining your aids and when they will need replacing.
Hearing aids have come a long way in the last few decades, which means plenty of choices for those facing a hearing loss diagnosis. Each type has its positives and negatives. Here are some of the hearing technology choices an audiologist may present to you:
BTE stands for behind-the-ear, which is where these aids sit, with a tub that connects to the ear canal. These types of aids are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss, are easy to handle, and have a good battery life. However, they are more visible than other hearing aids.
RIC, or receiver-in-canal hearing aids, places the speaker inside the ear canal. These are more discreet, and wearers find them comfortable. They offer good sound quality but can be prone to moisture and wax buildup.
In the ear, hearing aids fit inside the outer ear. These types of aids are custom-molded, giving them a snug and comfortable fit. However, they are more suited to mild and moderate hearing loss.
ITC hearing aids fit within the ear canal (the name is short for in-the-canal). This offers the most discreet design for wear, and since they are custom-fit, they offer comfort. On the downside, they don't have long battery life.
Completely-in-canal hearing aids sit deeper within the ear canal, so they are virtually invisible. These hearing impairment solutions offer good, natural sound quality, but some wearers can find them difficult to adjust due to their location.
If your diagnosis is severe or profound hearing loss, your audiologist may recommend cochlear implants. These work differently from hearing aids, which primarily amplify sound.
Implants bypass the damaged parts of the inner ear to reach the auditory nerve. The procedure requires a surgical implant, and there is often a period of adjustment where your consultant will help fine-tune the settings for improved quality.
These implants don't restore hearing but can make it easier for patients to communicate and recognize speech.
Some minor hearing issues can be resolved through treatment. Hearing restoration may be possible for:
Your audiologist will be able to put together a treatment plan if your diagnosis fits one of these categories. However, at the moment, age-related loss isn't reversible, although it is possible emerging treatments like gene therapy may become options in the future.
Aside from hearing aids, you can use a range of sound-amplifying devices to improve the quality of your hearing and make everyday life easier. These include:
Your decision about what you need will largely depend on your lifestyle. Think about some ways you can improve your day-to-day experience by using these devices, such as sitting down to watch your favorite TV show without switching on the subtitles.
If you intend to move into a senior living community offering independent living in Redding, it's crucial you speak to staff about your hearing loss when putting together a care plan. Ensure they know which aids and devices you use, and discuss ways your environment can be adapted to improve your hearing quality, such as reducing background noise when having conversations.
The most important step you can take for your hearing is to get a screening. After that, you'll be matched with the best hearing loss solutions for your diagnosis.
Having a supportive and accessible community is also crucial. As one of the top Redding senior living establishments, we at Shasta Estate have created an inclusive environment and can support all senior needs, including hearing loss. If you are looking for senior living in Redding, schedule a tour to see what our community can offer.