Hearing aids are a common solution for individuals experiencing hearing loss. By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss. Addressing hearing loss early can significantly improve quality of life, improving communication and daily participation.
Signs You Might Need One
Recognizing the signs of hearing loss is a first step toward seeking assistance. Many people frequently ask others to repeat what they said, especially in environments with background noise like restaurants or social gatherings. Difficulty understanding conversations when the speaker is not in view or over the phone can also indicate hearing challenges. Speech may sound muffled, or certain high-pitched sounds, such as consonants like ‘s’ or ‘f,’ might be hard to distinguish.
Another indicator is needing to turn up the volume on televisions, radios, or other devices to a level others find uncomfortably loud. Missing everyday sounds, such as a doorbell, alarm clock, or birds chirping, is another sign. Some experience persistent ringing, buzzing, or whistling in their ears (tinnitus), which can accompany hearing loss. These experiences can lead to frustration, irritation, and social withdrawal.
What to Expect from a Hearing Evaluation
If you suspect hearing loss, a professional hearing evaluation is the way to determine the extent and type of hearing impairment. These evaluations are typically performed by audiologists specializing in hearing, ear, and balance disorders. The process often begins with a detailed discussion about your medical history, specific hearing difficulties, and your lifestyle. This helps the audiologist understand your hearing concerns and potential contributing factors.
A physical examination of your ears will follow, where the audiologist uses a handheld scope to check for blockages (e.g., earwax buildup) or other physical abnormalities affecting your hearing. The evaluation involves a series of tests in a sound-treated room. Pure-tone audiometry is a common test, where you wear headphones and respond to sounds of different pitches and loudness, with results recorded on an audiogram. This test helps determine the softest sounds you can hear at various frequencies.
Speech audiometry is another component, assessing your ability to hear and understand spoken words at different volumes, sometimes with background noise. This can involve repeating words or sentences. Other tests, like tympanometry, evaluate the middle ear and eardrum, while otoacoustic emissions (OAE) tests measure the function of the inner ear. After tests are complete, the audiologist will discuss results, explain any hearing loss, and explore treatment options.
Choosing and Adapting to a Hearing Aid
Once hearing loss is confirmed, selecting a hearing aid involves a collaborative process with your audiologist to find the right device for your needs and lifestyle. Various styles exist, including those worn behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE), or completely in the canal (CIC), each offering different benefits in visibility and features. The audiologist will consider the degree of your hearing loss, the shape of your ear, and your personal preferences to recommend options.
Adapting to new hearing aids requires patience, as it can take time for your brain to adjust to hearing sounds it may have been missing. Initially, sounds might seem amplified or unnatural, and background noise may be more noticeable. It is common to gradually increase wear time, starting in quieter environments and slowly moving to more complex soundscapes. Regular follow-up appointments with your audiologist are for fine-tuning the devices, addressing any discomfort, and ensuring performance as you adjust.
The Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss
Ignoring hearing loss can have implications beyond just difficulty hearing. Untreated hearing loss can lead to communication challenges, making conversations arduous, especially in noisy settings. This can result in misunderstandings, frustration, and a tendency to withdraw from social interactions, fostering isolation and loneliness. Studies show that those with unaddressed hearing loss are more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
Beyond social and emotional well-being, untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive strain, as the brain works harder to interpret incomplete auditory information. This extra effort can contribute to mental fatigue and has been associated with an accelerated risk of cognitive decline and dementia, especially in older adults. Unaddressed hearing loss can also increase the risk of falls due to reduced awareness of surroundings and impact professional success, potentially leading to lower income and employment rates.