The problem of HEARING LOSS is among the many things we take for granted as a part of ageing process. While it may be part of ageing process, it is not untreatable or something to be ignored. Help is available and timely intervention and correction can improve the quality of hearing. The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age. Alarmingly, more than 25% of 60+ population are at risk of suffering hearing loss. Therefore, it is good to know about this problem and how and when to seek help for improving this problem of hearing loss.
Defining Hearing Loss
A hearing loss is when someone cannot hear, either partially of fully, in one or both ears. It may be mild, moderate, or severe and it is also referred as hard of hearing. You may find that such people can hear when you speak loudly. This kind of hearing loss is not necessarily deafness, but it may be due to other factors. Some affected people can be helped through hearing aids, cochlear implants and other assisted devices. But total deaf people have to rely on sign language based communications.
Age related hearing loss is common, and one in two adults in India over 65 years suffer from this issue. It becomes grievous condition only if untreated and then it affects the quality of life. Moreover, this kind of hearing loss is gradual over time, and hence, family members can easily detect this.
Causes of Hearing Loss
The reasons for age related hearing loss are many. It could be due to changes in the structure of ears, issues with nerves responsible for hearing, or even changes in the blood flow to the ear. It could also be due to changes in the way the brain process sounds. There are always chances that hear loss may be due health conditions like diabetes or lifestyle habits like smoking. At times exposure to loud noises also cause hearing loss.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
The initial symptoms could be an inability to hear low noises. There may be hearing issue when there is noise in the background, or some sounds may appear loud. Some people hear ringing sounds in their years. Most often, people having age related hearing loss may ask you to repeat things. They may also respond differently to queries or appear confused as what to answer. This problem is prominent when they speak on the telephone. When these types of symptoms occur, it is time to visit the specialist doctor.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Hearing Loss
The ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) specialist will usually do a complete physical test to gauge the complexity of the hearing loss. The family history is also looked into as that is a risk factor for age related hearing loss. Any alternative causes of deafness are first ruled out to ensure that it is age related hearing loss only. Then, further treatment will be suggested based on the severity and nature of hearing loss. There is no cure for this kind of hearing loss;however hearing aids can help improve hearing. Also, some assisted devices can be used to amplify sounds for better hearing. Thus timely, intervention can help people with an improved quality of life. In addition some of the severely affected may be suggested cochlear implants for improved hearing. But age related hearing loss hearing loss is progressive and irreversible, and hence, will slowly get worse. But these interventions can help us deal with it better.
Preventing Hearing Loss
Since we cannot prevent ageing, we cannot prevent age related hearing loss. However, avoiding exposure to loud noises can help maintain good hearing to some extent. Also, it is good to keep health conditions like diabetes under check. Any slight symptoms of the ear, like ear pain, ringing in the ears, difficulty in hearing etc, should be immediately shown to a specialist. It is good to make hearing tests a part of annual physical check ups to catch it early.
Hope this information will be useful.
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Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
18th November 2021 178/21