How to Age Better: Say What?

Age-related hearing loss is the most common form of hearing loss, an overlooked part of health & wellbeing.. But the majority who have it are not getting help. And that could be very dangerous.

Photo by Mark Paton on Unsplash

You’re in a crowded restaurant. The food and company are great. But…the background noise is deafening, making it hard for your brain to focus in on what others at your table are saying. Too embarrassed to keep asking, “WHAT??” you just smile and nod a lot, or come up with what you think might be the appropriate answer - not fully sure that you are replying to the right thing. (And that could lead to inappropriate responses!)

OR…

👂You’re relying on the closed-captions feature while watching TV.

👂Why is everyone mumbling?? And talking way too low?

👂You find yourself reading lips while biting your own; concentrating hard on listening.

👂You’re saying “what?” a lot - and frequently asking people to repeat themselves.

👂You are experiencing ringing, buzzing or hissing sounds in your ears.

😖It’s stressful and tiring to struggle to hear.

Age-related hearing loss causes you to slowly lose hearing in both ears. The condition is pretty common, yet most of the 40 million people in the U.S. who have it either deny they have a problem and/or don’t wear hearing aids.

The change happens slowly; so slowly that many people are unaware of it at its early stages. First, you lose the ability to hear high-pitched noises, like a ringing phone or a beeping microwave. You can still hear low-pitched noises (like men’s voices and the sound of thunder).

But then, the loss catches up with you, and hearing everyday noises and sounds becomes more challenging. You might become frustrated, withdrawn, sad, depressed, or lonely.

And that’s not all: As your hearing declines, your risk of falls accelerates. And, too, untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline. One reason is that it may contribute to a faster rate of brain atrophy. Another reason? People who have trouble hearing might avoid social situations or not engage in conversation as much (both contributors to dementia).

Who is at risk? ALL of us.

The Stigma of Hearing Loss

You probably already know, deep down, that something isn’t quite ‘right.’ And no judgment here- so many of us do it. What’s '‘it?”

Denial.

That’s because hearing loss carries a stigma.

And hearing aids? Stigmas, too. So many people need them but refuse to get them. I’m sure you already know this: People are afraid of being perceived as old, infirm, less-than, disabled.

The proof is in the research: Although about 28.8 U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than 1 in 5 actually use them. You probably know someone (or maybe it’s you) who could really benefit from a hearing aid.

It’s tough to grapple with this, since so many of us have no problem wearing eyeglasses. That’s why I think someone needs to make a hearing aid look like a fashion accessory. So, if you’re a hearing aid manufacturer and you are listening: Give us a pretty earring or ear cuff!

Full disclosure: I (and many of my friends) finally are sporting hearing aids after years and years of frustration with our hearing. My husband complained one too many times about the volume of the television, plus I got tired of missing out on important conversations.

And although I don’t love the need to wear hearing aids, I love being able to fully hear conversations and not feel frustrated or embarrassed. No one but me (and my friends - and now you!) know I’m wearing them, since they sit behind my ears and my long hair covers them. And as a plus, the birds and their lovely melodies returned to my backyard! (Yes, that sound is one that disappears - or is dulled - by hearing loss.)

Hearing aids have become much more affordable since they became available to purchase over-the-counter. And places like Costco, which is very highly rated by Consumer Reports both for service and for value, are able to provide thorough hearing tests and lower-cost prescription options.

Over-the-counter hearing aids are made for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, and users report using them only in certain situations. They will amplify all sounds. Prescription hearing aids are generally worn for much of the day, and can be programmed for your individual needs to offer a more personalized hearing experience, like the ability to dull background sounds so you can concentrate better on a conversation.

For a Pause…

1. Who knew? People who do need hearing aids wait an average of nine years before finally getting them. (Guilty).

2. What else? Hearing loss is twice as prevalent as cancer or diabetes. It’s the third most common physical condition in the U.S.

3. Loud music? The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Who and more. I remember those fabulous rock concerts of long ago… and how my ears would ring for days afterward. A contributor to my hearing loss, I am sure. Also potentially harmful: repeated exposure to noise-makers like lawnmowers, leaf blowers, snowmobiles, and woodworking tools.

4. Time to get your hearing checked? A baseline should be done at least by age 65, says the Mayo Clinic; even earlier if you notice a change in your hearing.

One More Thing:

Turn it up (but not too much) and enjoy!

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Hope to see your name on my growing list of readers! Until then, stay healthy, wellthy and wise!

The information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

This newsletter does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other professional health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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