It’s one thing to have to ask someone to repeat themselves, but having to ask over and over is one distinction in becoming hard of hearing. People have always mumbled, but as hearing ability declines these mumbles become an issue.  After a while, you might stop asking them to repeat and simply nod and smile as you slip into isolation.  As we increase in age, hearing loss becomes a primary concern. Speech and the ability to hear conversation is how we communicate. We call friends on the phone, we hear the news on TV or radio, and we sit across from each other at the coffee house. It’s common to want to place the blame on everything else in denial of a potential hearing loss, but eventually you must seek help.

The most common causes of late onset deafness are associated with the middle ear. Within the middle ear, two types of degeneration can occur: erosion of the blood vessels and presbycusis. When there is an erosion of the microscopic blood vessels, the hearing loss may not excessively affect your ability to hear and understand speech.  However, in the event of presbycusis, speech comprehension is more of an issue. Presbycusis is the loss of the ear’s tiny “hair” cells. Hearing loss associated with this type of degeneration affects sounds of higher frequencies, e.g. the f and the sh sounds. These sounds are often vital components to speech, which can make words unintelligible. The voices of women and children are often at higher frequencies than men. Therefore, many people first report difficulty in understanding conversation with women and children. The male’s voice, at a lower pitch, is often easier to hear and comprehend. Because men are more likely to have hearing loss than are women, this difference in the genders can create psychological friction.

Sensory impairments are a problem for older Americans in general, with Caucasions and Latinos having the  a highest prevalence of hearing problems. Statistics show one out of four have hearing loss, and hearing impairments double between the ages of 70 and 80.

Many factors play a role in your potential for having hearing loss as you age. Of course, some people are genetically predisposed, but diet and lifestyle also play a part. If you have a job in which you are exposed to noise or pressure (as in flying or diving), your chances of having a hearing loss are greater at an earlier age. Also, some medical conditions, such as osteoporosis or diabetes may require medications that directly contribute to diminished hearing.

So many advancements have been made to hearing aids that, unless informed, you may not seek help because you fear the bulky apparatus on the back of your ear. Don’t let vanity be the reason for avoiding your audiological appointment.  You’ll be surprised at the options available to you. Help comes in the form of a hearing specialist who, based on a hearing evaluation, can offer solutions for your individual auditory needs. Don’t wait: make your appointment today.