Print this chapterPrint this chapter

Deafness and hearing loss toolkit

Signs of hearing loss

Hearing loss can affect people of any age. The prevalence of hearing loss increases exponentially with age and approximately 42% of individuals over the age of 50 and 71% of individuals over the age of 70 have some degree of hearing impairment. Only one third of individuals who could benefit from hearing aids in the UK wear them.

Most age-related hearing loss is a gradual process, and often individuals will not notice that they are having difficulty hearing. Relatives, friends or carers may be the first people to notice that an individual may have a hearing loss. It is important to remember that even if someone can communicate on a one to one basis, in a quiet room without difficulty, that they may still have a hearing loss that will benefit from hearing aids.

It is important not to disregard communication difficulties as a dementia and behavioural related issue.

More information:

Potential indicators for hearing loss

  • Age 50+
  • Difficulty hearing in background noise such as pubs and restaurants
  • Having to turn the TV up so that others complain about the volume
  • Asking people to repeat themselves
  • Unaware of conversation when the speaker is not facing the individual
  • Speech sounds muffled or people do not speak clearly
  • Avoiding social situations
  • Withdrawal from conversation
  • Mishearing, and inappropriate responding
  • Unable to hear bird song
  • Reporting tinnitus- noises in the ear, ringing, buzzing, whooshing etc.
  • Difficulty hearing on the telephone

Other risk factors

  • Family history
  • History of occupational or social noise exposure
  • Ototoxic medication- aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin) or chemotherapy drugs (platinum-based chemotherapy)
  • Medical history: diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke, and autoimmune disorders

References: