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Hearing loss is one of the most common physical conditions seniors face, bested only by heart disease and arthritis. Hearing loss can come on so gradually that you have no idea it’s happening until you’re already experiencing moderate hearing issues.
Hearing loss can happen at any age, but the odds of losing some degree of hearing increase as you get older. Did you know that age-related hearing loss can begin as early as your 40s? It might not be noticeable at first, but usually becomes more troublesome as you age.
About a quarter of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss, and that number increases to fifty percent among those 75 and older, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America.
Among seniors, the risk of falls goes up as the degree of hearing loss gets worse. And if you suffer a fall, you could wind up with serious injuries, such as a hip fracture or traumatic brain injury. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a medical alert pendant to keep you safe – and it’s also a good idea to use hearing aids to help lessen your odds of falls and other senior issues, such as social isolation and depression.
Is It Time for Hearing Aids?
If you’ve noticed that it’s tough to hear soft sounds, you might need the assistance of hearing aids – but rest assured that you’re not alone. The National Council on Aging reports that 48 million adults in the United States currently have hearing loss. The problem is expected to grow. Over the next 40 years, another 30 million Americans will be diagnosed with some level of hearing difficulty.1
Johns Hopkins Medicine says that most individuals wait for a decade before they choose to get treatment for hearing loss.2 In some cases, this long delay is because until recently, hearing aids took several doctor visits to obtain and could be prohibitively expensive. But since hearing aids became available over the counter, the more reasonable price and ease of purchase makes these essential hearing devices more accessible than ever.
And that’s a very good thing, because not only can hearing aids significantly reduce the risk of senior falls, they can also lower the odds of developing dementia. And now scientists have discovered that hearing aids can also contribute to longevity, giving you more golden years to enjoy.
Hearing Aids and Longevity
Untreated hearing loss can lead to a wide variety of problems for adults. Beyond higher odds of falling, those with hearing loss can experience social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline. Those problems can lead to a shorter lifespan.
A new study from the University of Southern California looked at data from 1,900 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who had been diagnosed with hearing loss. The participants answered questions concerning their hearing loss and the use of hearing aids.
The study, published in The Lancet, found that those who used hearing aids regularly had a 24% lower risk of death compared to those who never used hearing aids at all.3 And though researchers expected that hearing aids would aid in longevity – especially by reducing the risk of devastating falls among the elderly – they didn’t expect that the improvement in lifespan would be so dramatic.
That improvement in longevity remained the same when researchers accounted for differences in age, education, ethnicity, and medical history.
But the same study found that among those who needed hearing aids to compensate for a degree of hearing loss, only about 12% actually used them regularly. And the study found that those who had hearing aids but only used them from time to time were just as likely to die an early death as those who didn’t use them at all.
If you are a senior or older adult, it’s always a great idea to have a button alarm as well. Hearing aids can reduce your risk of falls, while a wireless medical alert system can reduce the risk of serious consequences if help is ever needed. With Alert1 as your safety companion, you will never be alone if disaster strikes.
Getting Accustomed to Hearing Aids
If you need hearing aids, there are numerous options available over the counter. These hearing aids are best for mild hearing loss. Stronger hearing aids are available by prescription. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be entirely on your own if you choose to purchase hearing aids over the counter. Your audiologist may be able to adjust OTC hearing aids for you.
No matter the type of hearing aid you have, make a point of wearing them every day for at least a month to get used to them. It takes time to get accustomed to not only the feel of the hearing aids, but the sounds you can hear when you use them. You might be surprised, delighted, and overwhelmed by the soft sounds you had forgotten existed!
Here are some other tips to get used to hearing aids:
· Get used to using them at home. Begin by using your hearing aids when you are at home. This allows you to adjust to how different things sound. For instance, now you can hear the television without needing to turn up the volume! Or perhaps you can hear your grandchildren giggling. On the other hand, you might now hear the ice maker whirring in what seems like stereo sound. Take your time listening to common household sounds, such as running water or the sound of a dryer tumbling.
· Listen to your own voice. Your own voice might be much louder to you when using hearing aids. It can be helpful to sit in a quiet room and read aloud to give your brain time to get accustomed to the new way you sound with the hearing aids in. This can help you regulate your voice so that you’re not speaking too loudly or too softly to compensate for the hearing aids. If you sound robotic, that’s a hearing aid problem that can be easily adjusted.
· Take it slow when you go outside. Getting accustomed to using hearing aids at home can help you transition into using them out in the world. Sounds that you aren’t subjected to at home, such as honking car horns or other loud and sharp noises, can be startling to those with hearing aids. If you have trouble with outside noise, your hearing aids might need to have the volume adjusted. An audiologist can help you with that.
· Take regular breaks. You might feel more tired than usual during those first few weeks of getting accustomed to hearing aids. That’s because they are making your brain work harder to figure out which sounds matter and which ones can be ignored. Things you couldn’t hear before are suddenly crystal clear, and that can feel overwhelming at first. Take some time every day to remove the hearing aids and enjoy the quiet.
· Make sure the hearing aids are comfortable. Hearing aids aren’t supposed to hurt, but they do take some time to get used to. Discomfort is common during the first days, but you should never feel pain from the way the hearing aids are seated in the ear. If you do feel discomfort, don’t give up! Take the hearing aids to an audiologist for adjustments that make them a better fit for you.
· Get adjustments for loud sounds. Some hearing aids amplify loud sounds, which can be annoying or painful. This is one of the reasons why so many people put their hearing aids in a drawer and don’t bother with them anymore. Look for hearing aids that don’t enhance loud sounds but instead, improve your ability to hear softer tones. You might have to speak with your doctor or audiologist to find the features you need to keep sharp sounds to a minimum.
· Take classes. Did you know that some hearing specialists will offer classes that teach you how to take care of your hearing aids and improve your use of them? If any of these classes are available to you, sign up! Not only will you get new information on your hearing aids and techniques to get used to them, you might also find a hearing loss support group among those who signed up with you.
It’s always a great idea to use senior alert systems to assist you in staying as safe as possible. Remember, hearing loss increases your risk of falls – but just as concerning is that you might not realize you have hearing loss until you have already fallen or suffered other consequences. Now is the time to get medical alert technology and stay protected on your journey to a longer, healthier life.
