The Silent Struggle: Tips for Aging with Hearing Loss

Summary: If you are a senior dealing with hearing loss, there are certain coping skills, strategies, and support systems that can help you overcome and live comfortably with your disability. By seeking a professional hearing assessment, investing in quality hearing aids, utilizing assistive listening devices, improving your communication strategies, and joining support groups, you can continue to enjoy a high quality of life with your loved ones.   Estimated Read Time: 5 min

Table of Contents:

1. Get a Professional Hearing Assessment
2. Invest in Quality Hearing Aids
3. Utilize Assistive Listening Devices
4. Improve Communication Strategies
5. Join Support Groups and Stay Socially Active
6. Medicare Coverage for Individuals with hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a common issue among seniors in the United States. This disability can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even depression in some cases. However, with the right strategies and support system, seniors can manage hearing loss effectively and continue to enjoy a high quality of life.

Below, we review five tips to help seniors cope with hearing loss.

Get a Professional Hearing Assessment

Regular hearing assessments are an important step in identifying the extent of hearing loss and determining the best course of action. In some cases, hearing loss can be gradual, and many seniors may not realize the severity of their condition until it significantly impacts their daily lives. Thus, preventative hearing assessments can lead to early action and help you maintain your hearing as long as possible.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately one in three people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.

An audiologist can provide a detailed evaluation and recommend hearing aids or other assistive devices that can improve hearing. Early detection through regular check-ups can help prevent further deterioration and improve the overall quality of life.

Invest in Quality Hearing Aids

If you are diagnosed with hearing loss, hearing aids may be a long-term solution to help you maintain your hearing. Hearing aids are a common solution for those with hearing loss. With advancements in technology, modern hearing aids are more effective and discreet than ever before.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, untreated hearing loss gives individuals a 50% greater risk of dementia and a 30% to 40% accelerated rate of cognitive decline. So, not only can investing in quality hearing aids improve your hearing, but it can also help ensure you maintain your cognitive functions as well.

Choosing the right hearing aid that fits well and meets your specific needs is extremely important. There are various types of hearing aids available, including behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) devices. An audiologist can help determine the best option based on the type and severity of hearing loss.

Utilize Assistive Listening Devices

In addition to hearing aids, other assistive listening devices can help seniors with hearing loss. These include amplified phones, personal sound amplifiers, and TV listening systems. These devices can make daily activities more manageable and enjoyable by enhancing sound quality and reducing background noise.

Amplified phones can make conversations clearer, while personal sound amplifiers can help in one-on-one conversations or small group settings. TV listening systems can transmit sound directly from the TV to a headset, allowing for a more comfortable viewing experience without disturbing others.

Improve Communication Strategies

Effective communication is key to managing hearing loss. Seniors can benefit from strategies such as:

• Asking people to speak slowly and clearly: Clear and slow speech helps in understanding the conversation better.
• Reducing background noise: Minimizing background noise can significantly improve hearing clarity.
• Using visual cues and gestures: Visual aids like lip reading and gestures can enhance comprehension.
• Maintaining eye contact during conversations: Eye contact helps in focusing on the speaker and reading facial expressions.

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, effective communication techniques can help reduce the frustration associated with hearing loss and improve relationships with family and friends.

Join Support Groups and Stay Socially Active

Being unable to hear clearly can lead to social isolation, but staying connected with friends and family is vital for your mental health. Joining support groups for people with hearing loss can provide emotional support and practical advice on how to overcome the challenges you may be facing in your day-to-day life as a result of hearing loss. These groups offer a sense of community and understanding, helping to combat feelings of loneliness and depression.

Regular social interaction can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall quality of life.

Medicare Coverage for Individuals with hearing Loss

While Medicare Part B does not cover routine hearing exams, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or any other hearing-related care. However, it does cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor orders them to determine if you need medical treatment. This coverage can include tests to diagnose hearing loss and assess balance issues that might be related to ear problems.

If you are enrolled in Medicare and are in need of hearing coverage, there are additional coverage plans including Dental, Vision, and Hearing plans that may be able to provide you coverage for the services you need.