Hearing loss is one of the most common age-related issues that can be attributed to noise, disease, and also heredity. Not only is it frustrating to deal with, but it can also drive some older individuals to loneliness if they don’t have a proper support system to encourage them to live a healthy lifestyle. The least the rest of us can do is to understand the trials they go through to stay connected with them.
Types of Hearing Loss
The issue of hearing loss comes in various forms, ranging from a mild loss where only high-pitched sounds can be heard to a total loss of hearing. Overall, hearing loss falls into two general categories:
- Sensorineural hearing loss – As the most common type of hearing loss, this occurs when the inner nerves of the ear and hair cells are damaged due to various reasons like noise damage, age, and more. Sensorineural hearing loss impacts the pathways starting from your inner ear all the way to your brain. Typically, this cannot be surgically or medically corrected, but it can be helped with the use of hearing aids.
- Conductive hearing loss – This is usually the result of obstructions in the middle or outer ear due to reasons like tumors, fluid, and earwax buildup. Such obstructions prevent sounds from reaching the inner ear, which can be treated with surgery or medicine.
- Mixed – This is just what it sounds like – a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
Dangers of Hearing Loss
There’s no way to shy around it, hearing loss is difficult for both the individual experiencing it and their loved ones. Since those with hearing loss may feel ashamed in asking others to repeat themselves in situations where they miss parts of a sentence, this makes it harder for them to have proper conversations with others. At the same time, others may feel like they are being ignored if they aren’t patient and empathetic enough, which may cause a rift within relationships, family dynamics, and work environments.
After many shrugs and the frequent “nevermind,” there may come a time where the person with hearing loss starts to shy away from social events, isolating themselves in fear of facing potential embarrassment or shameful feelings during conversations. This usually leads to feelings of loneliness and depression since they become detached from society. The effects of hearing loss may feel subtle to surrounding individuals, but its dangers are great.
How to Help Someone With Hearing Loss
A loss of hearing is more common than you think and is nothing to feel ashamed about. In fact, approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 suffer from hearing loss. Here are a few ways we can take some burden off from our affected loved ones:
- Reduce or remove background noise like the television or radio
- Face them directly when addressing them in conversation
Why Choose Discovery Commons At Bradenton?
From top-notch amenities to high-quality services and activities, Discovery Commons At Bradenton provides a safe and welcoming community for older individuals of all backgrounds with varying needs. Our retirement community is designed to foster a socially, physically, and mentally active lifestyle for a more fulfilling experience.
If you have any inquiries about our range of services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
