As people get older, hearing loss becomes more likely. Around one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 has some form of hearing loss. That number rises to nearly half for those who are over 75, according to the NIH.
Hearing problems can affect so much more than the ears; they can affect memory, safety, mood, and relationships. Professional hearing care helps seniors stay connected and independent. Hearing experts provide support through every step from the first test to actual treatment.
Getting a Full Picture of Hearing Health
Hearing care begins with a complete evaluation. A hearing health professional uses special tools to learn what is happening with each person’s hearing. A hearing exam will likely include:
- A review of health and hearing history
- Looking into the ears with a light
- Testing how the eardrum moves
- Measuring hearing at different pitches and volumes
- Testing how well speech is understood
These results show the kind of hearing loss and whether a medical issue might be involved. If needed, a referral to a doctor or specialist may follow.
Choosing the Right Hearing Care Plan of Treatment
Once the results are clear, the hearing expert will recommend a care plan. This plan is made just for the individual. The goal is to improve hearing in your daily life. Many older adults can benefit from hearing aids, and they now come with helpful features such as:
- Smart sound adjustment
- Clear speech in noisy places
- Rechargeable batteries
- Streaming from phones and TVs
- Custom fitting for comfort
Hearing care providers help choose the correct device, then program it for each person’s hearing loss. A special real-ear measurement test can help make the sound even more accurate.
Learning How to Hear Again
Hearing aids are not a quick fix. It takes time for the brain to adjust to new sounds. That is why hearing professionals provide guidance and training. During follow-up visits, patients learn how to do things like:
- Wear and clean the hearing aids
- Communicate in busy or loud places
- Understand changes in sound
- Set realistic goals for hearing
Family support is typically encouraged. When loved ones understand the process, it can become easier for everyone to remain connected.
Support that Lasts
Good hearing care does not stop after a single visit. Older adults need ongoing support as their hearing changes. Follow-up appointments help to monitor how things are going. At follow-up visits, hearing professionals can adjust device settings, add helpful tools like remote microphones, troubleshoot hearing problems, and even screen for tinnitus or balance issues. Some services, like remote programming or phone check-ins, are sometimes available from your home. This is especially helpful for those with limited travel options or mobility issues.
Helping Seniors Stay Active and Independent
The goal of hearing care is to help keep people involved in life. With the correct type of support, seniors will be able to follow conversations more easily and join in social events with less stress. They can also stay safer by hearing warning sounds, alarms, or ringing phones. Seniors can stay mentally sharp and engaged while avoiding isolation and depressed moods. Hearing professionals are able to check for signs of depression or memory issues. Getting help for hearing loss tends to improve these issues, not worsen them.
What to Watch For
If you are not sure whether it is time to schedule a hearing test for yourself or a loved one, consider the following as signs to make an appointment:
- You are frequently asking others to repeat things
- You are turning up the TV often
- You struggle to hear or follow along in group conversations
- You start to withdraw from social activities
- You have a ringing or buzzing in your ears
Early testing will create better results. Hearing care can positively affect your daily life.
Professionals Are the Key
Hearing care professionals play a key role in supporting aging adults. They are able to guide seniors through hearing tests, help choose hearing devices, and provide long-term care. With the proper expert support, older adults can enjoy clearer communication, increased safety, and a richer connection to others. Hearing well is an enormous part of living well.
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