Hearing loss can impact people’s lives in a wide variety of ways. But it’s only possible to start dealing with the issue once it’s been investigated and an appropriate treatment or solution has been found. Unfortunately, that’s something that doesn’t always happen, especially when it comes to age-related hearing loss.

All too often people see hearing loss as a simple fact of ageing, even when it’s not quite as simple as that. No matter how old a person is, there are services and forms of support out there as well as appropriate treatment options that can help people live with hearing loss more effectively. Find out more in this article.

Age-related hearing loss

Age-related hearing loss is a real problem and one that many people are facing. Like many aspects of our body and the functions we rely on, our hearing does decline with age, but that doesn’t mean that it should be ignored or that care shouldn’t be taken to manage and compensate for that loss of hearing age.

The technical name for age-related hearing loss is presbycusis. It all happens because of the breaking down of the cells in the inner ear. It’s something that’s natural and also happens as a result of bodily changes that take place in the middle ear as a result of the hearing process. And it’s not usually a sign of any other issues.

How hearing loss impacts people

There are many ways in which hearing loss can be experienced by people in old age. But one important factor to consider is how the hearing loss often isn’t noticed early on because it’s something that happens very slowly and gradually over a matter of years. Due to that fact, spotting it is not something that happens quickly.

It might start by a person having to turn up the volume of the TV or asking people to speak a little louder. Those symptoms will generally get worse over time until other problems arise, and social situations of all kinds get a lot tougher to deal with. That’s why responding to the problem early on is important.

The risks associated with untreated hearing loss

There are many risks that come with failing to treat hearing loss early on. If you don’t treat it, it will get worse. And for many elderly people, that can have a heavily detrimental impact on their social life and their ability to communicate effectively with those around them. People often find it particularly difficult to cope in public settings where there’s lots of environmental noise.

Failing to act can lead to people becoming withdrawn as they no longer want to participate in socializing with people. Many don’t want to deal with the embarrassment and frustration that comes not being able to hear what people are saying to them.

The benefits of testing and treatment

There’s a wide range of benefits that come with getting your hearing tested and treated. Without proper testing carried out by a professional, you won’t be able to take any further steps. That’s why the first thing to do is always having your hearing properly tested and assessed.

When the right solution is found, such as the use of a new hearing aid, you can start to communicate more freely, participate in social situations and get back to life as normal. It’s also the case that you’ll reduce the rate of cognitive decline you’ll experience, and you’ll also be safer as you’ll be more aware of environmental sounds.

Get your hearing tested today

If you think you might have hearing loss issues, but you haven’t done anything about it, it’s important to start the process by having your hearing tested by a professional audiologist. No further action can be taken, and nothing can be improved until you understand the nature and extent of your hearing loss.

Working alongside a professional and fully qualified audiologist will ensure you get the level of treatment you require and that you don’t have to put up with hearing loss issues for any longer than necessary.

If you feel that you might be experiencing age-related hearing loss and you want to act, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team here at Audiology and Hearing Aid Services. We’ll be able to test your hearing and ensure you get the treatment you need. If you want to contact our team to book an appointment or ask any questions, call us today at 912-351-3038.