Sound Advice
If you have difficulty hearing, you’re in good company. About one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, according to the National Institutes of Health. Nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. If you’re like most people, you’ve experienced difficulty with hearing. Maybe it was in a busy restaurant or a noisy car. Perhaps you and your partner are constantly saying things like, “Sorry, say again?” After a while the monotony of repetition can get really annoying, so much so that couples may limit how much they talk with one another. Other common situations associated with hearing loss are:
➥ Answering questions that weren’t asked.
➥ Watching TV with the closed captions on and the sound turned up.
➥ Difficulty talking on the phone.
➥ Avoiding social situations.
If any of these scenarios hit home with you, make an appointment with an audiologist. Audiologists typically hold a doctor of audiology (AuD) degree. They thoroughly assess your hearing, help you select the ideal hearing aids, customize the fit, and program the devices for your needs
Say Goodbye to the Stigma
A common concern is that hearing aids will make a person look old, but the reality is otherwise. “Having a tiny hearing aid behind your ear can be overlooked, whereas asking for repetition or not responding to a statement at all is more difficult to ignore,” says Gina Gracia, AuD, Clinical Manager, UCLA Audiology Clinic.
Some people may shy away from hearing aids because they lack the dexterity to deal with small batteries, or think they may be too complicated or too expensive. Rechargeable batteries solve the battery problem, and audiologists help you get the appropriate, affordable devices and provide instruction and follow-up appointments.
Over-the-counter hearing (OTC) aids may be a solution for some people, but they aren’t necessarily the right choice for everyone. “OTC hearing aids generally make all sounds louder, including background noise, which can interfere with understanding conversations,” explains Gracia. “Traditional hearing aids are programmed specifically to your type and degree of hearing loss, and are equipped with technology to amplify speech and reduce constant background noise.”
It’s also important to know that your brain needs time to adapt to hearing aids. The sooner hearing loss is diagnosed and treated, the better. But you should not expect hearing aids to restore hearing to normal. “Hearing aids give you a new definition of normal as long as a suitable selection is made, is programmed appropriately, and used consistently,” says Gracia.
Hearing aids have become smaller, some virtually invisible, and they have become quite sophisticated, too. For example, you can connect Bluetooth hearing aids directly to a cellphone, tablet, or computer so you can stream audio from these devices directly to your ears.
Although hearing aids are very helpful, unfortunately they are not covered by Medicare and can be quite costly. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer partial coverage, depending on the plan. If too costly, less expensive alternatives, such as pocket talkers, amplifiers, or the OTC hearing aids, maybe viable options.
“Hearing aids can be as complicated or as simple as you want them to be,” points out Narine Oganyan, MHA, Director UCLA Speech Pathology & Audiology Clinic. “An audiologist will help you select a hearing aid that is appropriate for your hearing loss, taking into account lifestyle and personal preferences.”
Improve Your Social Life
Research suggests that using hearing aids to treat hearing loss may help slow the development of cognitive problems. In an NIH-funded study from Johns Hopkins University, nearly 1,000 adults ages 70 to 84 were enrolled to compare cognitive decline between those who received hearing aids and those who did not over a three-year period. Included were participants with significant hearing loss and substantial dementia risk factors. For them hearing aids reduced cognitive decline by nearly 50%.
Hearing better can reduce loneliness because it can facilitate clearer communication with family and friends, leading to stronger, more positive relationships. Improved hearing also can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, and enhance personal safety and independence by helping you stay aware of surroundings and important sounds such as alarms, sirens, and traffic.
If you’re not hearing well, why not give hearing aids a chance for a few months to experience what you’ve been missing? You just might be pleasantly surprised. And if you suffer from tinnitus, in some cases, hearing aids can mask the irritating sounds. For some people that could be reason enough to try them.
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