Hearing Loss

HealthWatch for January 2009
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Millions of people are affected by hearing loss at some point in their lives. It is the third most common chronic health problem in older Americans, affecting up to 40% of people age 65 and older and up to 80% of people older than 85 (Source: WebMD). Doctors believe that heredity and chronic exposure to loud noises are the main factors that contribute to hearing loss. Other factors, such as earwax blockage, can prevent your ears from conducting sounds as well as they should.  Most often hearing loss is noticed, not by those experiencing the problem, but by others, such as family members or friends.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, here are the most common signs of hearing loss.

* Complain that people are mumbling
* Have difficulty hearing when background noise is present
* Ask people to repeat themselves
* Have difficulty hearing in group situations
* Have difficulty hearing when not facing the talker
* Say that the TV/radio/telephone is not clear
* Disagree over TV volume level
* Are impatient, frustrated, withdrawn

If you or anyone you know is experiencing a loss of hearing, make sure to see an audiologist, a professional who specializes in evaluating and treating hearing loss.

For more information and resources click on these links.

Local
Cleveland Clinic: An Overview on Hearing Loss
Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center (CHSC)

National
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Hearing Loss Information
National Institute of Aging (NIA): Hearing Loss Information
WebMD: Hearing Loss
Mayo Clinic: Hearing Loss