Your Hearing
Hearing problems are relatively common among seniors, and they can have a significant impact on their overall well-being and quality of life. People with hearing problems should have hearing aids fitted as soon as possible as the quality of life subsides.
Common Hearing Problems
Here are some common hearing problems experienced by seniors:
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Presbycusis: This is age-related hearing loss, which is a natural consequence of the aging process. It typically affects both ears and is characterized by a gradual loss of hearing sensitivity, especially for high-frequency sounds.
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Tinnitus: Seniors may experience tinnitus, which is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears. It can be caused by various factors, including age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.
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Conductive hearing loss: This type of hearing loss occurs when there is a problem in the outer or middle ear that hampers the transmission of sound waves to the inner ear. Common causes include earwax buildup, ear infections, fluid accumulation, and structural abnormalities.
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Sensorineural hearing loss: This type of hearing loss involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve pathways. It can result from various factors, including age, prolonged exposure to loud noises, certain medications, infections, and underlying health conditions.
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Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD): CAPD affects the brain's ability to process and interpret sounds correctly. Seniors with CAPD may have difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, distinguishing between similar sounds, and following conversations.
Hearing problems in seniors can lead to various challenges, including difficulties in communication, social isolation, decreased cognitive function, and increased risk of accidents and falls. It is crucial for seniors experiencing hearing problems to seek professional help from audiologists or hearing healthcare specialists who can provide appropriate diagnosis and recommend suitable interventions, such as hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or cochlear implants.
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Take an online free hearing test: Hearing Test | Starkey
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For more information about your hearing and getting support and free advice visit the RNID website
