Hearing Loss and Quality of Life

Hearing loss involves more than simply not catching everything people are saying or asking someone to repeat themselves. One's quality of life including relationships with family and friends can be adversely affected especially among older adults. Since the loss of hearing often starts very gradually, many people feel they can cope fine without the use of hearing aids. Unfortunately as time passes the hearing loss progresses and many individuals are hesitant to admit it to others as well as to themselves. Frustration levels can become more intense both for the one who is experience hearing loss as well as those around them.
Seeking help or encouraging loved ones to get tested for hearing aids at the first sign of hearing loss can be difficult but also be of great benefit to one's quality of life. Issues such as anxiety, depression and even the mistaken feeling that others are angry with you are common complaints in adults who are experience some degree of hearing loss. On the positive side, those who have been fitted with the right hearing aids for their specific condition have reported increased self-confidence, an improved quality of life and improved relations with friends and loved ones. Family and friends also reap these benefits and find that they too share in the improved relationship and quality of life.
Hearing loss in adults generally develops very gradually over time and most people are not even aware that they can be helped with the use of hearing aids. It is important for everyone to be able to recognize the common symptoms of hearing loss; whether you or someone close to you is experiencing them. Some of the conditions or contributing factors are:
* Age
* Noise exposure
* History of hearing loss in family
* Trouble understanding a conversation
* Plugged ears (wax build-up)
* A number of ototoxic drugs
* Dizziness or problems balancing
* Past or recent head or ear trauma
* Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following signs, it is highly recommended that one sees a hearing care professional to determine whether hearing aids are needed. Some of the signs that an individual has developed hearing loss are:
* Increasingly staying away from social gatherings
* Speech and other sounds seem muffled
* Unable to understand words when in a crowd or other background noise is present
* Having to turn up the volume on the radio or television
* Avoiding or withdrawing from normal conversations
Many elderly people have very limited knowledge about the advancements that have taken place in regards to hearing aids and remember only the more awkward and less efficient devices that were available many years ago. Hearing aid technology has come a long way with more aesthetic devices along with a number of different styles. Remember that smaller doesn't always mean the sound will be better for your particular condition. It is important to discuss all hearing aid options that are appropriate for your specific hearing loss with a hearing care professional who can suggest the best device for you.
Just as we have regular check-ups by our family doctors and have our eyes examined annually, it is important to have our hearing tested regularly. Early detection of hearing loss can go a long way in preventing more serious problems down the road. So, protect your ears and if indicated, seek professional advice on the hearing aids that are best suited to your needs.
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Hearing Aid can really help the people who are suffering from hearing loss. You can visit hearing aids for more details.