Hearing Aids Assisting Older Adults

One of the most common ailments that arises with ageing is the loss of hearing. Studies and researches have proved that ageing plays a significant role in hearing impairment and cognitive function. This was assessed by measuring audiometric results of older adults. WHO estimates 1/3^rd of older adults over the age of 65 and 2/3^rd above 70 years suffer from hearing loss. A declined cognitive function and worsening communication skills are some of the adverse effects that loss of hearing poses on older adults.

Age related hearing loss can occur due to multiple reasons

Family history
Frequent exposure to loud noise
Smoking
Certain medical conditions
Changes in inner ears
Complex changes along the nerve
Medications

Presbycusis is the name given to age related hearing loss. It happens either due to a family history or because of some damage in the inner ear or auditory nerve. It makes a person less tolerant of loud noise. Even though this type of hearing loss is gradual, it generally effects both the ears. With the advancement of technology, hearing aids like Signia hearing aids and Phonak hearing aids come in very handy to older adults with hearing impairments.

Signs and symptoms of age related hearing loss

Trouble hearing over telephone
Mumbled speech sounds
Conversations hard to understand
Reduced ability to hear and distinguished high-pitched sounds
Sensation of hearing or ringing in the ears
Hard to follow conversations
Often asking people to repeat themselves
Need to turn up the TV volume

Types of age related hearing loss

Hearing loss can occur in different forms depending on the degree of severity – from mild, top severe to profound. Age related hearing loss is generally of the following types:

Sensorineural hearing loss

Occurs as a result of damage in the inner ear or auditory nerve
This type of hearing loss is usually permanent in nature

Conductive hearing loss

Occurs when sound waves are not able to reach the inner ear
Caused due to earwax build up or a punctured eardrum
Can be restored by medical treatment or surgery

Mixed hearing loss

Is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing losses
Can be temporary or permanent depending on the degree of severity

Treatment of age related hearing loss

Hearing aids – For those with mild to moderate hearing loss
Cochlear implants – For ones with severe or profound hearing loss
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) – For amplifying TV or telephone sounds

How can hearing aids help older adults for hearing better?

Helps maintain balance by preventing falls, collisions and getting tripped
Improves your mood by preventing or reducing anxiety and depression
Increases the brain function and working memory of older adults
Decreases the risk of dementia
Improves hearing in an area with loud noise
Lessens the interference of background noise
Comfortable ear molds that fit perfectly

Types and features of hearing aids to choose from

Signia hearing aids

Speech master – Constricts contending speakers and commotions to segregate the objective speaker
HD music – Offers a superior quality of listening experience
Ecoshield – Provies with echoes and mellow resonations in conditions
TwinPhone – Gives improved sound quality and discernibility during telephonic conversations
Remote CROS/BiCROS – Has a transmitter that matches any remote primax instrument

Phonak hearing aids

Roger Select – Comes with a wireless microphone made to improve speech understanding in loud noise
Partner Mic – Discreet and easy to use microphone best suited for one-to-one conversations in noisy environments

At Quality Hearing Care, your health is our priority. We deal in both Signia and Phonak hearing aids for providing you the best assistance with your hearing loss treatment. Visit our clinic to book an appointment.

Please follow and like us: