Recognizing Hearing Loss Symptoms in Seniors: Early Detection and Intervention
About a third of the elderly population in the US deals with some degree of hearing loss.
The key to preventing hearing loss and mitigating its effects is early detection. If you can pick up on the symptoms of age-related hearing decline, you can take better care of your senior auditory health.
In today's post, we'll go over some of the most common hearing loss symptoms. It's different for everyone, but if you've experienced any of the following, then you know the next step is to speak to a medical professional.
Once you've gotten to the bottom of your hearing issues through professional hearing assessments, you can take steps to improve your situation. Keep reading and learn how to recognize your hearing issues and manage them as soon as possible.
Frequently Asking Others to Repeat Themselves
If a senior often asks people to repeat what they've said, it may be one of these early hearing loss signs. They may struggle to understand words, especially in noisy environments.
This can lead to frustration for both the seniors and those around them. Conversations may become exhausting, causing the senior to withdraw from social situations. They might also rely on context clues rather than actually hearing the words being spoken.
Turning Up the Volume on the TV or Radio
Seniors with hearing loss may turn up the volume on their television or radio to levels that seem too loud to others. If other community members frequently comment on the noise level, it could be a sign that their hearing is declining.
They may not realize how loud the volume is because their hearing has gradually worsened. This behavior can sometimes be mistaken for simply preferring loud sounds, but if it persists, a hearing test may be necessary.
Trouble Following Conversations
People with hearing loss often find it difficult to follow conversations, especially in group settings. They may miss key words or misunderstand what's being said. This can cause them to withdraw from social interactions to avoid embarrassment.
Seniors might nod or smile even when they do not fully understand, hoping to avoid drawing attention to their struggles. Over time, these communication challenges can create a sense of isolation and frustration. The more seniors feel isolated within social situations, the more they'll actually isolate themselves.
Responding Inappropriately to Questions
If a senior frequently responds to a question in a way that doesn't make sense, they may not have heard it correctly. They might guess what was said based on partial words or context clues. Over time, this can lead to frustration and misunderstandings.
This symptom can be particularly noticeable during important discussions. Misinterpreted information can have serious consequences, especially for seniors out and about running errands.
Complaining That Others Are Mumbling
It's common for seniors with hearing loss to say that others aren't speaking clearly. They may think people are mumbling or not speaking loudly enough.
In reality, their ability to hear certain frequencies may have declined. This can be especially noticeable in noisy environments, where background sounds interfere with speech recognition.
Avoiding Social Activities
Struggling to hear in group settings can make socializing stressful and exhausting. Seniors with hearing loss may start avoiding gatherings, conversations, and outings.
This isolation can lead to loneliness and even depression. Over time, they might lose interest in hobbies or events they once enjoyed, further impacting their emotional well-being.
Social isolation is an epidemic among senior populations. More than 50% of people over 60 feel some form of isolation. In addition to mental health issues, it can be a catalyst for cognitive decline.
Difficulty Talking on the Phone
Hearing loss can make it hard to understand conversations over the phone. Seniors may complain that voices sound muffled or unclear. With modern cellular technology, it's not often the case that this is the fault of the cell service.
They might also switch to speakerphone more often, as it can make speech slightly easier to hear. Some seniors may even stop answering calls altogether, preferring text messages or in-person communication instead.
Ringing or Buzzing in the Ears
Some seniors experience a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in their ears, a condition known as tinnitus. This is often linked to hearing loss and can make it even harder to understand speech.
The constant noise can also cause frustration and difficulty concentrating. Over time, tinnitus can affect sleep quality and increase stress levels. It's something that doesn't necessarily go away, so if you or a loved one are dealing with it, seeing a doctor is imperative.
Struggling to Hear High-Pitched Sounds
Many seniors lose the ability to hear high-pitched sounds first. They may have trouble hearing children's voices, birds chirping, or doorbells ringing. It's almost always higher frequencies that go away first.
If they no longer respond to sounds they used to notice, it could be a sign of hearing loss. This can make it harder for them to recognize alarms or other important alerts, posing a potential safety risk.
Lip Reading to Understand Speech
When hearing declines, many seniors unconsciously start reading lips to follow conversations. If a loved one seems to focus intently on a speaker's mouth, they may be relying on visual cues to fill in the gaps.
This can be especially noticeable in noisy environments. While lip reading can help, it is not a replacement for proper hearing. Untreated hearing loss can still lead to significant communication barriers.
Take Hearing Loss Symptoms Seriously
Recognizing hearing loss symptoms can help seniors get the support they need. If you notice any of these symptoms in a loved one, consider scheduling a hearing test.
When you live in a great senior community like Digby Place Assisted Living, you can take the time to look after your hearing. Not only are we the top senior community in Lafayette, offering countless amenities and activities, but we also have an incredibly caring staff.
We'll help you recognize signs of hearing loss early so you can manage the symptoms. Contact us today to set up a tour and see our community in person.