Hearing Loss

As someone who has spent over 30 years living with a hearing-impaired spouse, I can attest to the fact that it can be complicated and sometimes difficult but does not have to rule your life.

Hereditary

Heredity is the cause of my husband’s hearing issues. He noticed the signs while nearing the end of high school and experienced a continued loss over the years. He has treated his deficit with hearing aids and finally a cochlear implant – which allowed him to hear birds for the first time in 40 years!

Age Related

Hearing loss that comes on as you age, also known as presbycusis, is common. More than half the people in the United States older than age 75 have some age-related hearing loss.

Other risk factors include prolonged exposure to loud noises, certain medications and some illnesses.

Symptoms of hearing loss may include:

• Muffling of speech and other sounds.
• Trouble hearing the letters of the alphabet that aren’t vowels like C or T.
• Often asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly.
• Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio.
• Avoiding social situations – it can feel awkward to not understand conversations.
• Preferring to stay home to avoid background noise, restaurants for example.
• Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus.

People with hearing loss often report being depressed. The enjoyment many of us experience when we go out for a meal, attend a party or take a class, for example, may cause a different feeling for those who are hearing impaired. It’s often stressful and sad to be in situations and conversations that you cannot be part of, but beyond that, social isolation may have physical consequences.

A study by Johns Hopkins University found a link with hearing loss and dementia. It indicates a faster rate of brain atrophy and lack of socialization/being engaged with others as factors. The study also shows a correlation to balance issues. “As you walk, your ears pick up subtle cues that help with balance. Hearing loss mutes these important signals.”

To learn more, visit www.hopkinsmedicine.org.

Difficulty hearing is more complex than just “volume” issues. Talk to your local Twin Cities health care provider about any concerns you, or a loved one, have with your ability to hear well. Because age-related hearing loss is gradual it may be more difficult to detect so a hearing test could prove valuable in finding a course of action.

I’ve seen firsthand the importance of treating hearing loss. While we’ve made some necessary adjustments and adaptations, my husband’s impairment does not dictate our lifestyle – it is integrated into it.