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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:

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