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The Importance of Hearing Tests

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the United States, affecting more than nine million Americans over the age of 65 and 10 million Americans age 45 to 64. But about three out of five older Americans with hearing loss and six out of seven middle-aged Americans with hearing loss do not use hearing aids. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends Annual Hearing Tests for all adults beginning at the age of 60, regardless of whether or not they are experiencing symptoms.

Study by John Hopkins Medicine &
National Institute of Aging

 

Seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing. Although the reason for the link between the two conditions is unknown, the investigators suggest that the strain of listening to sounds over the years may overwhelm the brains of people with hearing loss. They also speculate that hearing loss could lead to dementia by making individuals more socially isolated, a known risk factor for dementia and other cognitive disorders.

NCOA Study

 

Untreated hearing loss has serious emotional and social consequences for older persons, according to a major study by The National Council on the Aging (NCOA). "This study debunks the myth that untreated hearing loss in older persons is a harmless condition," said James Firman, of The National Council on the Aging. The survey of 2,300 hearing impaired adults age 50 and older found that those with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression, anxiety, and paranoia and were less likely to participate in organized social activities, compared to those who wear hearing aids.

HEARING SURVEY

  1. Have you noticed that you don’t hear as well as you used to?

  2. ​Does your family tell you that you turn up the volume of the television or radio too loud?

  3. When you’re talking to someone, do you have to ask the person to repeat what they’re saying?

  4. Can you hear when someone is speaking to you in a noisy setting such as a pub or restaurant?

  5. Can you hold a conversation in a group setting when several people are speaking at the same time?

  6. Do people seem to mumble or speak softer than they used to?

  7. Are you over 60 and have never had a hearing test?

If you answered YES to any one of these questions then you could benefit from getting your hearing checked.

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