Hearing Loss Signs in Seniors: What to Watch For
According to Healthy Hearing, nearly two-thirds of adults aged 71 and older experience some degree of hearing loss, yet many remain unaware of the early indicators. Hearing loss signs in seniors can be subtle-such as difficulty following conversations or frequently increasing the volume on devices.
Recognizing these early symptoms is crucial for maintaining senior hearing health. It's true for seniors is West Windsor Township, a diverse and thriving community known for its award-winning schools, abundant parks, and convenient access to major cities via the Princeton Junction train station.
Today, we're taking a closer look into how to identify these signs, understand contributing factors, and more.
Understanding Age-Related Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting seniors. It can come on so gradually that many people do not realize their hearing is slipping until it starts to affect daily life.
There are three main causes of age-related hearing loss:
- Changes in the Inner Ear
- Long-Term Exposure to Loud Sounds
- Genetics
Changes in the Inner Ear
As people age, tiny structures inside the inner ear start to wear down. This natural breakdown makes it harder for the ears to pick up certain sounds.
High-pitched noises, like birds chirping or a phone ringing, are often the first to become hard to hear. This kind of hearing loss usually happens slowly over time.
Long-Term Exposure to Loud Sounds
Over the years, regular exposure to loud noises can add up. Working in noisy environments, attending loud concerts, or using headphones at high volumes can damage the inner ear.
Genetics
Family history can play a large role in age-related hearing loss. Some people are born with a higher risk because of the way their ears age. If parents or grandparents experienced hearing loss, it makes it more likely that future generations will too.
Early hearing loss detection and regular audiology checkups can help keep seniors connected to their friends, families, and communities.
Common Hearing Loss Signs to Watch For
Hearing loss signs can be easy to miss at first. There are five common hearing loss signs that may show up early:
- Difficulty Following Group Conversations
- Turning Up the Volume on Devices
- Frequently Asking People to Repeat Themselves
- Responding Inappropriately During Conversations
- Withdrawal from Social Activities
Difficulty Following Group Conversations
One of the first hearing loss signs many people notice is trouble following conversations, especially in group settings. Background noise and multiple speakers make it harder for seniors to keep up. They may nod along or smile without fully catching what is being said.
Turning Up the Volume on Devices
Needing to raise the volume on the TV, radio, or phone is another common hearing loss sign. Family members often notice this before the senior does. If the television seems too loud for others but feels just right to the senior, hearing issues could be the cause.
Frequently Asking People to Repeat Themselves
Seniors with early hearing loss often ask others to repeat words or phrases. They may lean forward or cup their ear to try to catch what they missed. This can lead to frustration for both the senior and the people around them.
Responding Inappropriately During Conversations
Answering a question incorrectly or giving a response that does not match the conversation is another sign of hearing loss. It happens when a senior mishears a word or sentence and tries to guess the right answer. This can sometimes be mistaken for memory problems.
Withdrawal from Social Activities
Seniors who struggle to hear may start to avoid group activities. They might skip family dinners, church groups, or outings they used to enjoy. The effort it takes to follow conversations can become tiring and discouraging, leading them to stay home more often.
Emotional and Behavioral Changes Linked to Hearing Loss
Hearing loss does not just affect a senior's ability to hear sounds. It often impacts emotions and behaviors in ways that may not seem connected at first. There are three main emotional and behavioral changes that are often tied to hearing impairment symptoms:
- Irritability and Frustration
- Feelings of Isolation and Loneliness
- Strained Relationships with Family and Friends
Irritability and Frustration
Seniors with hearing loss may seem more short-tempered than before. They can become frustrated when conversations are hard to follow or when they have to ask others to repeat themselves. Small misunderstandings that happen again and again can lead to feelings of anger or embarrassment.
Feelings of Isolation and Loneliness
When it gets harder to hear, many seniors start to pull away from social gatherings. They might stop attending family events, church services, or group outings. Struggling to keep up with conversations can make them feel left out, even when they are surrounded by people who care about them.
Strained Relationships with Family and Friends
Hearing problems can place a strain on important relationships. Loved ones may feel hurt or confused when a senior stops calling, visiting, or participating in activities they once enjoyed. Sometimes, seniors themselves feel guilty or ashamed about their hearing loss, but they do not know how to bring it up.
Risk Factors for Developing Hearing Loss
Years of working in loud places like factories, construction sites, or even attending many concerts can damage the inner ear. Noise exposure does not always cause instant hearing loss. Instead, the damage builds up slowly over time and may not be noticed until it is more advanced.
Some medical conditions can raise the chances of hearing loss. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and infections in the ear are common examples. Certain medications, like strong antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs, can also hurt hearing. Seniors who deal with these health issues should be extra aware of any hearing changes.
If hearing loss runs in the family, seniors have a higher chance of developing it too.
The Importance of Early Hearing Loss Detection
Spotting early hearing loss signs can make a real difference in a senior's life.
At Bear Creek Assisted Living, we offer more than just a beautiful community in New Jersey's Delaware and Raritan Valley. With chef-prepared meals, gorgeous outdoor spaces, and a lively schedule of activities and events, we create a true sense of belonging for every resident.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your loved one's care.