Hearing loss is common among many individuals, and always has been. Particularly for seniors, total or partial loss of hearing can stem from a wide variety of reasons. Hearing loss generally occurs gradually, due to steady deterioration of the inner ear, or even a buildup of earwax. Deterioration and damage to the inner ear can occur from prolonged exposure, through a person’s lifespan, to loud noises. Aging can even play a large part in the steady decline of inner ear functionality.
There are many signs and symptoms of hearing loss, not just the obvious inability to hear sound. Many people experience sound as muffled, or develop sensitivity to it. Others will notice a ringing in their ears. There are psychological factors that go hand in hand with loss of hearing as well, such as feeling isolated from peers, nervousness towards conversation, and the need for frequent repetition. Many seniors feel that they do not need a hearing aid or other type of hearing improvement, but these can make a world of difference, not only counteracting the symptoms but also playing a positive role in one’s social and family life. Especially when hearing loss is gradual and less noticeable, seeing a specialist for a hearing aid may not seem justified; however, the aid can make a night and day difference.
1. Inability to Hear Sound
The inability to hear sound is, of course, the most obvious of all of the signs and symptoms of hearing loss. Again, this is often a very gradual process, and may take a while for some to notice that there is any decline at all. Often, particularly for seniors, one will not notice that his or her hearing has deescalated, but will find they are more frequently asking those around them to repeat themselves. It is common to deny that the hearing loss is occurring; for example, one may even notice having to use a higher volume on the television, but insist that the set itself is getting older.
While hearing loss can be incredibly frustrating, it happens to nearly the majority of the population. For seniors age 55 to 64, this loss of hearing can occur in approximately 25% of people. Past the age of 65, the number increases to about 50% of seniors. Even if it is not noticed right away because the change is so gradual, the inability to hear as well as in previous years can be very maddening. Noticing that the volume dial has seemingly been turned down on life will be more noticeable for some than others; however, the other symptoms that go along with hearing loss may mean it’s time to see a specialist. While hearing loss typically can’t be reversed, decreased hearing and the other symptoms below can be treated and improved.
2. Ringing
Second to the inability to hear sound, a humming in the ears tends to present itself as one of the most common signs of hearing loss. While this symptom is hard for many to describe, those who suffer from loss of hearing generally realize the ringing when they hear it. It can be very persistent for some; others will notice it only when other, sometimes specific, sounds are occurring, such as the pitch of the washing machine or the hum of a radio. This inner ear sound often has a tendency to muffle out other sounds, so it is sometimes not just a symptom of hearing loss, but can also escalate it.
3. Sensitivity to Sound
Similar to the ringing sensation in one’s ear, those who are experiencing a gradual decline in hearing will notice that they also experience sensitivity to sound. This sensitivity can present itself quite differently depending on the person. Many will notice that they are sensitive to all sound, and sometimes the sensitivity can even be the same as the ringing. Most people who suffer from hearing loss along with sensitivity to sound will find that sounds with a certain pitch will affect them most. This will occur when any noise or voice hits a certain high or low note, but is most common with higher notes. The person will then experience a humming, buzzing or even a painful silence in one or both ears.
Aside from being sensitive to specific sounds, many sufferers of hearing loss find that they are discomforted by all sounds above a certain volume. When hearing loss has reached a certain point for some individuals, the volume tolerated becomes lower and lower. At this point, what would normally be considered an ordinary volume level is intolerable to the listener with hearing loss. While it seems backwards that someone with hearing loss is sensitive to louder sounds, remember that loss of hearing can present itself in many ways.
4. Isolation
A feeling of isolation from friends and family is bound to occur for most seniors suffering from a loss of hearing. Many are uncomfortable when attempting to carry on a conversation, due to the constant need to ask the person whom they are conversing with to repeat a statement. Others feel even more isolated when they realize another person has been attempting to speak to them or get their attention, only to realize that they have not been heard. This isolation is a byproduct of hearing deterioration, and is often one of the most important reasons that those suffering from it must seek help.
5. Speech Delay
Most commonly characterized in children learning about speech and language, speech delay is described as an impediment in the development of speech, despite understanding language and verbiage itself. For those whose hearing is impaired, the ability to speak is affected as well. For many, this is caused by the fact that they are unable to hear what they are saying as well, along with having less language to hear and therefore interpret. This creates a gap in the person’s general conversation skills, and is another reason why isolation and difficulty with conversational interaction will occur for those suffering from hearing impairments.
6. Muffled Sound
Similar to the inability to hear specific sounds, or all sounds, much of the sound coming into the ear will sound vague or muffled. With loss of hearing, especially when it’s gradual, a person may be fully aware that there is noise around them, but cannot distinguish exactly what it is. They may be unable to tell what a person is saying, what noise they are hearing, or even where the sound is coming from altogether. Often, the sounds will not only be muffled, but are sometimes replaced with a vague buzzing sound that can either be persistent or sporadic.
7. Frequent Repetition
Those who are experiencing any of the symptoms of loss of hearing listed above will find they need others to repeat themselves more frequently. This frequent repetition can be needed due to buzzing or humming sounds, or just the general inability to fully understand what the person is saying. The sounds can seem muffled or distant; or, in many cases, statements go completely unnoticed, causing the speaker to repeat themselves simply to get the listener’s attention. Many people who suffer from hearing impairments of any kind find that they feel isolated, or even isolate themselves due to being too nervous to converse with others.
8. Nervous About Conversations
As mentioned, being nervous about conversations is a symptom byproduct of the other signs of hearing loss. For all people, no matter their strengths or weaknesses, it can be very nerve wracking and frustrating to engage in any activity in which we are not good at. For those who are not hearing as well as they used to, and find they need frequent repetition from those with which they converse, general conversation can feel very trying and uncomfortable. Many believe that those around them can get “fed up” with having to repeat themselves, making social life a struggle for both old and new acquaintances, creating a hesitance to start new conversations or even friendships.
Many of these symptoms are not entirely curable, but there are countless ways that hearing can be improved. Especially for seniors, it can be very hard to admit when our hearing is declining, but if any of these symptoms are being experienced, just know that consulting a specialist can make a drastically positive difference.
