Understanding Hearing Loss Types in Seniors
Around 15% of American adults suffer from some kind of hearing issue, according to NIH.
Many seniors, in particular, experience changes in their hearing as they age. Understanding different types of hearing loss can help seniors and their families find the right solutions.
Are you curious about the main hearing impairment categories? Read on to learn about the different hearing loss types. We'll also discuss their causes, effects, and options for support in a senior living community in Zanesville, OH.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss only happens when the inner ear or even the auditory nerve experiences damage. It's a type of hearing loss that's often permanent.
Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Aging is a growing concern when it comes to sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is also known as presbycusis.
Loud noise exposure over time can also damage the inner ear. Some people inherit a tendency for hearing loss.
Certain illnesses, like diabetes and high blood pressure, can contribute to this condition. Some medications can also harm hearing and cause permanent loss.
Effects of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Seniors with sensorineural hearing loss may struggle to understand conversations. High-pitched sounds become difficult to hear.
Many people experience ringing in their ears, known as tinnitus. It can cause deep feelings of isolation and frustration.
It can also cause difficulty in recognizing speech in noisy environments, making social situations more challenging. Over time, such hearing loss can contribute to cognitive decline if left untreated.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss happens when sound waves aren't able to pass through the outer or middle ear. It's often caused by blockages or damage.
Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss
Earwax buildup can block sound from reaching the inner ear. Ear infections can cause fluid to collect in the middle ear. A perforated eardrum can affect hearing.
Some seniors develop bone abnormalities, like otosclerosis, that prevent normal sound transmission. In some cases, growths or tumors in the ear canal may also cause conductive hearing loss.
Effects of Conductive Hearing Loss
Sounds may seem muffled or softer than usual. Some seniors may hear better in quiet areas but struggle in noisy environments. A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ears is common.
You'll be glad to know that conductive hearing loss can often be solved with either medical help or hearing aids. Proper diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve hearing and general quality of life.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combo of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This means a person has damage to both the inner and the outer or middle of the ear.
Causes of Mixed Hearing Loss
Aging combined with ear infections can lead to mixed hearing loss. Loud noise exposure and earwax buildup can also contribute.
Some seniors experience head trauma, which affects both the inner and outer ear. Certain medical conditions, like Ménière's disease, can also have a sizable role in developing mixed hearing loss.
Effects of Mixed Hearing Loss
Seniors with mixed hearing loss may have more significant hearing difficulties. Understanding speech, especially in groups, becomes harder. This condition often calls for both medical treatment and hearing aids.
Ongoing hearing care and support may be needed. Because mixed hearing loss involves both inner ear and middle ear problems, treatment options may be more complex and require a combination of approaches.
Hearing Loss Diagnosis
Seniors experiencing hearing difficulties should visit a doctor. A professional evaluation can help determine the type and severity of hearing loss.
Steps in the Diagnosis Process
A hearing test is the surefire way to diagnose hearing loss. Audiologists use special tests to check hearing ability. A doctor will also examine the ears for infections, blockages, or other problems.
If needed, specialists will recommend hearing aids. Sometimes, imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans are used to check for underlying medical conditions affecting hearing.
Management Options After Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing aids can help amplify sound for seniors with sensorineural or mixed hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss may improve with medical treatment. Some seniors use assistive devices, like amplified phones or TV listening devices.
Joining a hearing loss support group can also be beneficial. Learning communication strategies, such as lip reading and using visual cues, can help seniors manage hearing loss.
Senior Auditory Health and Assisted Living
Hearing loss affects daily life and social interactions. Many seniors in an assisted living community in Zanesville, OH, benefit from specialized support. Clay Gardens Place provides a comfortable and supportive environment for seniors with hearing impairments.
How Clay Gardens Place Supports Seniors With Hearing Loss
Clay Gardens Place offers quiet living spaces to minimize background noise. Staff members are trained in hearing loss awareness and ensure clear communication.
Social activities encourage seniors to stay engaged and connected. The community also provides medical assistance, including help with hearing aid maintenance and doctor appointments.
Residents can participate in programs designed to enhance their well-being and communication skills. Doing this ensures that they stay active and socially involved.
Coping With Age-Related Hearing Issues
Seniors with hearing loss can take steps to improve their daily lives. Using hearing aids consistently can make a big difference. Regular checkups with an audiologist help monitor hearing changes.
Family and friends can assist by speaking clearly and reducing background noise during conversations. Writing important information down can also help seniors with severe hearing loss stay informed.
The Major Importance of Early Intervention
Getting help with hearing loss as soon as possible can improve a senior's quality of life. Untreated hearing loss can lead to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive decline
Getting help as soon as symptoms appear allows for better management and treatment options.
There Are Ways to Lessen Hearing Loss Types
While there are several hearing loss types, it's worth figuring out which one applies to you. That way, you can do everything to ensure you live a healthy, happy life.
This is where Clay Gardens Place Assisted Living comes in. We offer a beautiful and caring community where seniors can thrive no matter their health conditions. You can expect a bustling social calendar where one can choose from exercise classes to local outings and more.
Are you interested in assisted living in Zanesville, OH? Be sure to schedule a tour of Clay Gardens Place today.