Hearing loss becomes more common as you get older. You may find it harder to follow a conversation or notice that you need to watch television at a higher volume. Sometimes a relative or friend will notice a change in your hearing before you do. It is worth getting hearing problems checked because they can affect your quality of life and how you interact with other people. Some causes of hearing loss are treatable, and hearing may improve after treatment. If the hearing loss is permanent, hearing aids and other support measures may help you communicate better.
Recognising the signs of hearing loss
Hearing loss does not always mean that everything sounds quieter. For example, you may hear someone speaking but find it difficult to make out their words, particularly when there is background noise. You may also find telephone calls or conversations involving several people difficult to follow.
Other signs of hearing loss include asking people to repeat themselves, feeling that they are mumbling or turning up the television to a level that others find too loud. You may start avoiding situations where hearing is difficult.
Why does hearing change with age?
Age-related hearing loss usually develops slowly and affects both ears. Changes in the inner ear can make it harder to detect sounds and understand speech. Exposure to loud noise over many years can also contribute to hearing loss.
However, hearing problems in older people are not always due to ageing. Earwax or an ear infection may temporarily reduce hearing, and hearing may improve when the underlying problem is treated.
An examination of the ears and a hearing test can help identify the cause. If treatment for earwax or an infection has not improved your hearing, seek further medical advice.
Getting your hearing checked
If your hearing suddenly becomes worse, contact your GP or NHS 111, even if only one ear is affected or it simply feels blocked. Do not wait for a routine hearing test. Some causes need prompt treatment to give you the best chance of recovery.
You should also seek advice if your hearing deteriorates over several days or weeks, or if you have hearing loss with ear pain or fluid coming from the ear.
For hearing difficulties that have developed gradually, make an appointment with your GP. They can examine your ears for wax, infection or other problems and may refer you to an audiologist, a professional who assesses hearing and advises on support and treatment. Some opticians and pharmacies also provide hearing tests.
At a hearing assessment, you will usually be asked about your symptoms and how they affect daily life. Tests may involve listening to sounds through headphones and indicating when you hear them.
Explain which situations you find difficult, such as family meals or telephone calls. This helps the audiologist recommend support that meets your needs.
Treatments and hearing aids
Treatment depends on the cause of the hearing loss. Earwax may be treated with drops or removed by a trained professional (for example, using microsuction or irrigation).
Some ear infections may need antibiotics. For permanent hearing loss, hearing aids can make speech and everyday sounds easier to hear. However, they do not restore normal hearing, and you may still find conversations difficult in noisy places.
Hearing aids are available through the NHS on a free long-term loan. If you choose private care, ask about the full cost, including follow-up appointments and repairs. It can take time to become comfortable with hearing aids, and sounds may seem unfamiliar at first. If the hearing aids are uncomfortable or do not seem helpful, contact your audiologist.
Some people whose hearing loss is not adequately helped by hearing aids may benefit from a hearing implant. A specialist can assess whether this is suitable for you.
Making communication easier
Small changes may make conversations easier to follow — for example, choosing a quieter place to talk. Good lighting can help you see the other person’s face. Explain what helps you, such as speaking clearly, rephrasing something you have missed or writing down important information.
Family and friends can help by getting your attention before speaking, facing you and allowing one person to speak at a time. Television subtitles, telephone amplifiers and alarms that flash or vibrate may also be useful.
Protect your hearing when using noisy equipment or spending time around loud sounds. Avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into your ears, as they can push earwax further in or cause injury.
Taking the first step
You do not need to wait until hearing difficulties become severe before asking for help. If you are finding listening difficult, arrange an assessment with your GP or book a hearing test. Discuss any concerns about treatment or hearing aids with your GP or audiologist.
Getting the right support can help you stay involved in conversations with others and the activities you enjoy.
- Dr Azeem has been a GP for over 30 years and is also a professor of primary care and public health at Imperial College London’s School of Public Health
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
