Why Can't I Hear Well After 60? Understanding Hearing Loss and Staying Connected

 






Why Can't I Hear Well After 60? Understanding Hearing Loss and Staying Connected

"Turn down the TV!" Has your family said that to you? Or do you find yourself saying "What was that?" more often than before? If so, you are not alone. According to the U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), about one in three people ages 65 to 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those over 75 do.

Hearing loss that comes with age is called presbycusis. Tiny hair cells inside the cochlea become damaged as we age, and once damaged, they do not grow back. That is why high-pitched sounds — a phone ringing, a microwave beeping, a small child's voice — are often the first to fade. It comes on gradually in both ears, so family members often notice before you do.

When You Notice These Signs, Your Ears Are Sending You a Letter

  • You keep turning up the TV or radio
  • Conversations in noisy restaurants become difficult
  • You often ask, "Could you say that again?"
  • You miss the phone or the doorbell

Comfortable Habits to Protect Your Hearing

  1. Get your hearing checked. Visiting an ear doctor or hearing specialist is as natural as visiting the eye doctor. Sometimes the cause is as simple as earwax.
  2. Consider hearing aids if needed. Today's hearing aids are small and work well. Talk with a specialist to find what suits you.
  3. Face people when you talk. Seeing lips move makes understanding much easier.
  4. Avoid noisy places, and speak slowly and clearly. Ask your family to do the same.
  5. Protect your ears from loud sounds. Turn down earphone volume and give your ears rest in noisy places.

"Could You Say That Again?" Is Wisdom

When hearing fades, conversations shrink, and meeting people can start to feel like a chore. Researchers note that hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation. But saying "Could you say that again?" is nothing to be ashamed of. It is the wisdom of staying connected. As much as we hear, our hearts open.

Once hearing worsens it is hard to reverse, but noticing early and responding can keep comfortable conversation with you for a long time. Start today — by turning the TV volume down just a little.

This article shares general health information. Please consult your doctor or hearing specialist about your personal hearing health.
Reference: U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), Age-Related Hearing Loss

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