Hearing Loss and Aging

Hearing loss often occurs later in life.  One out of three people over age 60 have hearing loss, and one out of two people over age 85 are affected.  Hearing loss related to age is called presbycusis.  This is a permanent hearing loss.  Medications and surgery cannot restore this kind of hearing problem.  Presbycusis results from:

Changes to the structures of the inner ear

Reduced blood flow to the inner ear

The deterioration of hearing nerves and  

Changes in how the brain processes speech

Presbycusis usually is a gradual decrease in hearing for high-pitches.  These changes are subtle, slowly muffling words.  This causes difficulty hearing female voices, children’s voices, and when in noisy places.  Presbycusis is increased by other factors such as diabetes, poor circulation, kidney disease, noise exposure, and certain medications. 

Age-related hearing loss is treated with hearing aids. Modern hearing aids are digital microcomputers that automatically adjust thousands of times per second, making speech comfortable and more natural.  The side effects of hearing loss, isolation, withdrawal, anger, frustration, and communication breakdowns can be helped with hearing aids.  Those who do not seek hearing help experience a decrease in overall quality of life. Untreated hearing loss can lead to further decrease in word understanding, sadness, depression, anxiety, paranoia, reduced social activity and poor relationships.

May is designated Better Hearing Month to raise awareness of hearing loss and its effects on quality of life.  If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty hearing, feel people mumble,  have ringing in the ears or other ear symptoms, now is a great time to call an audiologist and schedule a hearing evaluation.   Don’t wait.  

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, Au.D.
Paula Webster, M.A.

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

hearing aids mentor ohio

Hearing Loss and Diabetes

Recent studies show there is higher incidence of hearing loss among people with diabetes then in the general population.  This suggests there is a tie between the two diseases. 

One study revealed people with diabetes are two times more likely to have hearing loss.  It is believed that diabetes may cause hearing loss by damaging the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear. Adults with elevated blood sugar but not high enough to be diabetes, have a 30 percent greater chance of developing hearing loss.  .

Despite these findings, hearing screenings typically are not part of the recommended regimen of care for people with diabetes. Most people, including physicians do not understand the threat the disease also poses to hearing health. Hearing loss impacts over all health and leads to many other problems including sadness, depression, withdrawal from social situations, fatigue, anger, frustration and even paranoia. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, have a baseline hearing evaluation.  It is good to have one before you notice symptoms of hearing loss.  Monitor your hearing through periodic follow up evaluations.   Most insurance plans including Medicare cover the evaluation.  Take good care of your hearing call an audiologist today!

Life Sounds Great! Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA
Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
http://www.aachear.org/