By Mitch Rice
Our bodies change as we get older, and most changes are inevitable. Hair turns gray, eyes become more sensitive to the sun, and skin becomes thin and inflexible. Gradual physiological changes can lead to hearing loss, which affects up to half of people over 75. In this guide, patients and families can learn how to detect and treat hearing loss as they age.
Aging and the Human Ear
Aging affects every body part. Muscles lose strength, blood vessels become less flexible, and nerves may become damaged. The eardrums can stiffen, and diminished circulatory and nerve function may cause other problems that lead patients to wonder how much hearing aids cost.
For instance, sensorineural hearing loss may result from inner ear or auditory nerve damage. It’s common among older people, especially those with previous injuries or constant exposure to loud noises. As ear structures are damaged and lose function, hearing loss occurs.
Hearing Loss and Its Effects on the Brain
Age-related hearing loss and brain changes go hand in hand. Science has established links between hearing loss and cognitive decline, though more research is required to determine the nature of the connection. As our brains age, they lose the ability to interpret the sounds picked up from the environment, affecting hearing sharpness and quality.
While age is a primary factor, it’s not the only thing that affects hearing. Infections, loud noises, genetics, and disease also play a role. The older a patient is, the more likely they are to suffer the effects of these hearing loss factors.
Are Hearing Loss and Mental Health Connected?
Speech and hearing are crucial to our communication abilities, relationships, and experiences. Hearing problems affect our emotions by interfering with our abilities to socialize and communicate. It determines the quality of interpersonal interactions, no matter how brief they may be. When a person loses their ability to hear and understand others, their mental health may suffer.
For those who struggle with hearing loss, the constant mental drain may lead them to skip dinners, birthday parties, holidays, and other gatherings. While it may be easier for them to decline invitations at first, it can gradually create feelings of isolation, loneliness, and sadness. While hearing loss may disconnect you from the world, treatment will make you an active participant once again.
What Can Patients Do About Hearing Loss as They Age?
If someone you love is experiencing hearing loss, an audiologist can help. After performing a detailed evaluation, doctors will offer treatment options and solutions that improve hearing and overall quality of life, including:
- Hearing aids. Audiologists offer a range of hearing aids from various manufacturers, all of which improve hearing through sound amplification. A hearing aid expert can help patients choose a brand and style that meets their needs.
- Assistive listening technology. We offer patients access to assistive listening devices, which improve hearing by using specialized electronic components to transmit sounds to the ear or a hearing aid.
- Practicing good hearing hygiene. No matter your age, caring for your hearing is a wise decision. Our team can detect hearing issues and create individualized care plans that address them.
Our bodies change as we get older, and most changes are inevitable. Hair turns gray, eyes become more sensitive to the sun, and skin becomes thin and inflexible. Gradual physiological changes can lead to hearing loss, which affects up to half of people over 75. In this guide, patients and families can learn how to detect and treat hearing loss as they age.
Aging and the Human Ear
Aging affects every body part. Muscles lose strength, blood vessels become less flexible, and nerves may become damaged. The eardrums can stiffen, and diminished circulatory and nerve function may cause other problems that lead patients to wonder how much hearing aids cost.
For instance, sensorineural hearing loss may result from inner ear or auditory nerve damage. It’s common among older people, especially those with previous injuries or constant exposure to loud noises. As ear structures are damaged and lose function, hearing loss occurs.
Hearing Loss and Its Effects on the Brain
Age-related hearing loss and brain changes go hand in hand. Science has established links between hearing loss and cognitive decline, though more research is required to determine the nature of the connection. As our brains age, they lose the ability to interpret the sounds picked up from the environment, affecting hearing sharpness and quality.
While age is a primary factor, it’s not the only thing that affects hearing. Infections, loud noises, genetics, and disease also play a role. The older a patient is, the more likely they are to suffer the effects of these hearing loss factors.
Are Hearing Loss and Mental Health Connected?
Speech and hearing are crucial to our communication abilities, relationships, and experiences. Hearing problems affect our emotions by interfering with our abilities to socialize and communicate. It determines the quality of interpersonal interactions, no matter how brief they may be. When a person loses their ability to hear and understand others, their mental health may suffer.
For those who struggle with hearing loss, the constant mental drain may lead them to skip dinners, birthday parties, holidays, and other gatherings. While it may be easier for them to decline invitations at first, it can gradually create feelings of isolation, loneliness, and sadness. While hearing loss may disconnect you from the world, treatment will make you an active participant once again.
What Can Patients Do About Hearing Loss as They Age?
If someone you love is experiencing hearing loss, an audiologist can help. After performing a detailed evaluation, doctors will offer treatment options and solutions that improve hearing and overall quality of life, including:
- Hearing aids. Audiologists offer a range of hearing aids from various manufacturers, all of which improve hearing through sound amplification. A hearing aid expert can help patients choose a brand and style that meets their needs.
- Assistive listening technology. We offer patients access to assistive listening devices, which improve hearing by using specialized electronic components to transmit sounds to the ear or a hearing aid.
- Practicing good hearing hygiene. No matter your age, caring for your hearing is a wise decision. Our team can detect hearing issues and create individualized care plans that address them.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
