Hearing And Quality Of Life In Older Adults

As we age, many things change. Our bodies slow down, our skin changes and senses like our vision and hearing begin to decrease. For many older adults, this can be a difficult adjustment. Poor hearing can significantly impact the quality of life, leading to social isolation, depression and even dementia. This blog will discuss the relationship between hearing and quality of life in older adults. It will look at the effects of untreated hearing loss on mental health and well-being and how to improve the quality of life for those struggling with auditory impairment.

The Relationship Between Hearing and The Quality of Life:

Hearing is essential for communication, and it’s not just about being able to hear what people are saying. Detecting and interpreting sound signals help us interact with our environment. It allows us to listen to music, follow conversations, be aware of traffic noise when we’re driving and more. As our hearing declines, it can have a significant impact on how we experience the world around us, which in turn affects our emotional well-being. 

Studies have found that older adults who have hearing loss are more likely to develop depression and anxiety than those with normal hearing. This could be due to the increased sense of isolation that poor hearing brings – they are unable to fully participate in social activities or take part in conversations, which can lead to loneliness. Other studies have also found that hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, suggesting that poor hearing could be a contributing factor to dementia in older adults. 

Improving Quality of Life for Those with Poor Hearing:

Fortunately, there are many ways to improve the quality of life for those who have poor hearing. The first step is getting an evaluation by a hearing instrument specialist and having an appropriate treatment plan put into place. This could include using assistive listening devices such as hearing aids or cochlear implants and speech and language therapy to help improve communication skills. 

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sound, making it easier for those with hearing loss to understand speech and other sounds. They can be customized to fit the individual’s needs and preferences. There are three main types of hearing aids, including:

• In the ear (ITE): This is a hearing aid that sits in the outer ear bowl. This device helps by placing sound directly into the ear canal. 
• Behind the ear (BTE): This device fits behind the ear and is commonly used with children due to their durability. They amplify sound before sending it through an earmold placed within the ear canal. 
• In the canal (ITC): This hearing aid fits inside the ear canal. This device is less visible than other hearing aids but still provides a good level of amplification. 
• There are additional subtypes within these categories, including: invisible in canal (IIC), completely in canal (CIC) and receiver in canal (RIC).

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and language therapists can help improve communication skills by teaching strategies such as lip-reading or sign language. They also provide advice on making conversations easier by using techniques such as speaking more slowly or raising one’s voice slightly when conversing with someone with hearing loss.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to assistive devices and therapy, lifestyle changes can be made to help improve the quality of life for those with poor hearing. Examples include avoiding noisy places, using amplification devices (e.g., TV amplifiers) and wearing ear protection when necessary. 

The second step is connecting with support systems and increasing social interactions. For example, joining support groups or having regular meetings with a speech and language therapist can help improve communication skills. Additionally, increasing social activities such as joining clubs or taking classes can help stave off feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

The third and final step is taking care of overall health. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep are all important for maintaining good mental and physical health. It is also important to keep a regular checkup schedule with a doctor or hearing instrument specialist in order to monitor hearing changes over time. 

By following these steps, older adults can improve their quality of life by staying connected and actively engaging with the world around them. As well, through early diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, older adults can live happier and healthier lives despite age-related changes that come with growing old. If you experience any issues with your hearing, contact Beltone Hearing Center – Lethbridge at 403-942-4327 to book an appointment.