Even mild, untreated hearing loss can cause auditory deprivation, which negatively affects older adult relationships and quality of life.
Many of us recall Verizon’s iconic commercial from the early days of cell phone service when a bespectacled technician asked the caller, “can you hear me now?”. If you find yourself repeating that question when you’re on the phone with a good connection or in the same room with your loved one, they may be experiencing symptoms of hearing loss. Gradual age-related changes in hearing are common for 1 in 3 people age 65 and older and for about half of people over age 75. However, there is great variability in how a person experiences hearing loss (presbycusis) and how it affects their life and relationships.
Are Mild Changes in Hearing Really a Problem?
Most people don’t realize that even mild untreated hearing loss leads to auditory deprivation, which not only impacts quality of life, it also can cause cognitive decline. Auditory deprivation is a condition in which the centers in the brain responsible for hearing don’t receive sufficient sound stimulation consistently over time, causing the brain to lose the ability to process and understand speech. Because of the variability in how hearing loss can progress, ignoring changes in hearing at any age prompts the brain to “rewire” the underused nerve pathways for other tasks and/or these auditory neural pathways shrink from lack of use.
What is the Impact of Hearing Loss for Older Adults and Their Relationships?
Healthy relationships rely on good communication. When changes in hearing impair an older adult’s ability to understand and enjoy being with the people they love and who often rely on one another, a cascade of negative consequence often results:
Hearing loss affects the frequency and quality of how partners and family members communicate. Both the afflicted and their loved one may experience frustration, aggravation, embarrassment, and even resentment. If the underlying hearing loss is not addressed in a timely manner, intimacy can breakdown in both platonic and romantic relationships.
Often this leads to social isolation and loneliness, which can bring about changes in mood. It is important to have these changes and other symptoms of hearing loss assessed to rule out the possibility of cognitive or mood disorder. An exam with both the primary care physician and an audiologist is essential for proper diagnosis. And remember, if mild hearing loss goes untreated, it will likely progress and can eventually lead to changes in cognitive function.
What are Signs of Hearing Loss in Older Adults?
If you are a loved one notice the following signs and symptoms of hearing loss, please consult with an audiologist.
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds. Often a person will have a harder time hearing a woman’s voice or a child’s voice, or sounds from objects such as doorbells, chimes, or alarms, or alarm clocks.
- Straining to hear what other people are saying, especially when there is background noise. While we all may have trouble hearing another person in a busy restaurant or at a musical event, we can generally make out what the person is saying, but this is not the case for a person in the early stages of hearing loss. They will experience this difficulty even in place where there is dull or monotonous background noise.
- Sounds seem muffled or less clear, even in quiet environments. The person may say it sounds like the other person is mumbling, not speaking up, or “talking underwater.”
- Needs to turn up the volume to hear the TV or play music. A common sign of diminished hearing is when you let someone know you can hear the TV “through the walls” but they don’t think there’s anything wrong with the volume.
- Withdrawing from social conversations and activities. If a person seems to “tune out” in social situations or activities in which they are typically engaged and lively, they may be experiencing auditory and cognitive fatigue from straining to hear and understand what is being said around them.
- Additional signs can include frequently asking others to repeat what was said, difficulty understanding telephone conversations, showing frustration when attempting to understand or engage in conversation.
Early Intervention Essential for Older Adults Experiencing Hearing Loss
If your aging parent, partner, or another loved one shows obvious signs of struggling to engage in conversation, to respond to you the way that is typical for them, or has withdrawn from activities they usually enjoy, it is time to chat openly about what they are experiencing. Share with them the changes you’ve noticed using specific examples. Be compassionate in expressing genuine concern and the intention to help your loved one identify if hearing loss is the underlying cause. Early intervention is essential to preserving hearing and helping an older adult get back to enjoying the people and activities that makes life meaningful for them.
Everbrook Senior Living Takes a Proactive Approach to Preventative Medicine
No matter the reason or the season in life that brings you and your loved one to an Everbrook community, we are here to support their health and wellness journey through state-of-the-art residence options, medical care, and wellness amenities. Our compassionate, professional staff takes a holistic approach to person-centered care and preventative medicine. We offer programs, clubs, classes, and outings that help you preserve and enhance your physical and emotional well-being. Contact us today and come see all that awaits you at an Everbrook Senior Living community.