Hearing Loss Affects Many Aspects of Your Life

Symptoms and causes

Some of the common signs include being unable to hear when in restaurants, in group situations, during lectures, while watching television or movies, when talking on the phone, or when talking with children, according to Dr. Montano. People at an increased risk of hearing loss are those who work or live in an environment where the level of background noise is high. Restaurants, clubs, and the music industry are examples.

“Headsets can be a problem for all ages,” says Dr. Montano. “They are dangerous when the volume is too loud. This occurs frequently when people try to cover up background noise by turning the volume up. A typical scenario is trying to drown out noise made by exercise machines during a workout.”

Medications also are the culprits behind some hearing loss; studies have shown that more than 200 medications can affect hearing and balance. (See What You Should Know for details.)

The consequences

Hearing loss may begin with mere inconvenience or annoyance for the person or for family and friends, but the consequences extend to other areas of life.

“People with hearing loss may become more socially isolated,” explains. Dr. Montano. “They might withdraw from social events, avoid crowds, or stop engaging in conversations. In addition, they might experience anxiety, insecurity, or depression.”

The effects of hearing loss go beyond social and psychological problems. A 2012 study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that, among people between the ages of 40 and 69, those with mild hearing loss were almost three times more likely to have fallen.

Getting help

“If you suspect hearing loss, it is important to seek appropriate medical attention,” says Dr. Montano. “Your internist may refer you, but you may go directly to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physician or to an audiologist.”

An audiologist is educated in hearing loss, assessment, and rehabilitation. While he or she is neither a physician nor provides medical treatment, most hold a doctoral degree, such as a PhD or AuD (Doctor of Audiology). The audiologist will make a thorough assessment of hearing ability that should be conducted in a controlled environment, with sound-treated rooms, headphones, and calibrated equipment. Some businesses that sell hearing aids may not adhere to the testing standards required of audiologists, so it’s important to check credentials before you are evaluated or treated.

Not everyone with hearing loss needs a hearing aid. People with mild hearing loss can amplify telephone conversations or get devices that make it easier to hear television or movies. And, sometimes, excessive earwax is the cause of hearing loss; in this case, hearing is restored once the wax is removed. While there are many over-the-counter products that can help with earwax removal, it is best to consult your physician or audiologist.

Among people who do require a hearing aid to improve their hearing, only one in five actually uses one. However, manufacturers have developed hearing devices that are smaller, more powerful, and designed so that they are practically invisible.

Cost also may be a factor—the price of a hearing aid can range from a few hundred to several thou-sand dollars. However, most audiological procedures to evaluate hearing are covered by insurance, and some insurers are beginning to cover some of the costs of hearing aids.

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