Hearing And Quality Of Life In Older Adults

Age-related hearing loss is a frequent complaint of advancing years. It is the third most prevalent chronic health issue among elderly people, after hypertension and arthritis. Indeed, hearing loss affects more than 80% of people over the age of 85 and about one-third of adults between the ages of 61 and 70. Furthermore, medical and technological advances have contributed to the increase in the senior population, which in turn is connected to an increase in hearing loss among seniors.

A big part of the issue is the lack of knowledge about hearing loss progression and the inability to stop it. Many older people and professionals attribute hearing loss to the normal aging process rather than seeing it as a condition that influences a variety of psychosocial and physical health concerns.

Unfortunately, as hearing health is not checked in routine health evaluations, it is not uncommon for seniors to experience substantial hearing loss before it can get noticed. As a rule of thumb, we strongly recommend arranging with a professional audiologist for regular checkups on your hearing. Let’s explore in depth how untreated hearing loss can affect your quality of life.

Untreated Hearing Loss Contributes to Social Isolation

Seniors who have hearing loss may change their social routine due to mental fatigue. Birthday celebrations, dinners, holiday gatherings and other occasions where a lot of people gather in a noisy environment may eventually be avoided. Although at first, this self-imposed isolation may appear more convenient, over time, it can lead to social isolation. Seniors with hearing loss can feel like an outsider within their own social circles.

This can also contribute to a decline in physical activities, as hearing loss can be disorientating. Seniors may be startled by passing vehicles they couldn’t hear approaching, for instance. Many seniors with hearing loss also report a deterioration in their balance. As they can’t perceive audio clues from their surroundings, they are more at risk of falling. As a result, social isolation also becomes synonymous with a sedentary and inactive lifestyle.

Unaddressed Hearing Loss Can Lead to Depression

Participating in everyday interactions can be challenging for seniors who experience hearing loss. They are more likely to feel shame and inadequacy because their hearing health makes it impossible for them to keep up with the conversation or understand others. This can lead to depressive conditions.

Additionally, it is worth noting that social exclusion can also heighten the risks of depression and loneliness among seniors.

Hearing Loss Can Increase Risks of Cognitive Decline

Hearing plays a major part in maintaining a healthy brain. Indeed, hearing enables the brain to stay active and engage with others and with different activities, including listening to the radio, watching TV or even walking outside. Brain health is a complex subject that requires both physical and cognitive activities. However, hearing loss can affect your ability to engage in both. Consequently, parts of the brain can become inactive, leading to deterioration. This can be reflected by difficulties in concentrating, thinking or even remembering things.

Hearing loss can also be a contributing factor to degenerative disorders such as dementia.

The Link Between Untreated Hearing Loss and Anxiety

For seniors who have hearing loss, the fear of missing audio cues and information can lead to anxiety and even panic attacks in stressful situations. Indeed, missed phone calls and alarms can become a source of anxiety. They could feel guilty about misunderstandings or worry that they are misinterpreting what people are saying to them.

It isn’t uncommon in extreme situations for vulnerable seniors to become paranoid and believe that people are talking about them. This can be aggravated by the fact that people with healthy hearing can try to compensate by speaking loudly. Unfortunately, the phenomenon can be misunderstood by seniors, who assume that people believe they are slow, aggravating existing paranoia and anxiety.

If you suspect that you experience hearing loss, it is essential to get your hearing health checked by a professional audiologist, who can help address the issue. Indeed, untreated and undiagnosed hearing loss can dramatically affect seniors’ quality of life. However, there are treatments available that can help you care for your hearing health and correct existing loss. Hearing aids come in a variety of forms designed to create a comfortable experience for those who need them. An audiologist can help you determine the right solution for your hearing loss.

If you are over 60, we strongly recommend making hearing checks a part of your regular health appointment. At Sommerville Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, we are dedicated to helping you manage and overcome hearing loss with the right solution. Book your appointment today at 586-298-3788.