Addressing Hearing Loss May Improve Care of Older Adults

An estimated 1 in 3 adults, 65 and older, have some degree of impaired hearing. Hearing loss impacts over 48 million people, making it the third most pervasive health condition people live with today. Though it is common, hearing loss still remains relatively undertreated. In fact, it takes an average of 7 years from the onset of symptoms for a person to seek treatment. This delay in hearing loss treatment is dangerous for one’s health, wellness, and daily life.

Untreated hearing loss has multifaceted effects that can take a toll on the care older adults receive. Studies show that people with hearing loss are more likely to experience communication challenges with healthcare providers, resulting in hospital readmission. This emphasizes the importance of treating hearing loss which offers countless benefits including improving communication as well as care.  

People experience an increased risk of developing hearing loss as they age. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders : 

Also known as presbycusis, age-related hearing loss is extremely common and can be caused by a few factors. This includes existing medical conditions that older adults also disproportionately experience. Conditions like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes increase the risk of hearing loss. Additionally, the cumulative impact of exposure to noise as well as changes to the ear can lead to presbycusis. Higher rates of hearing loss among older adults also reveal hearing needs that should be met for effective communication which is integral to quality healthcare. 

Hearing loss reduces a person’s capacity to perceive and process sound. This makes it challenging to hear and readily participate in conversations. Communication is essential to how we navigate daily life so when it is strained, the consequences are numerous. This includes impacting healthcare by contributing to communication breakdowns with healthcare providers. Studies show that people with hearing loss are more likely to experience hospital readmission. 

This includes a study conducted by researchers at New York University who investigated how hearing loss can impact healthcare. The study included evaluating data from a survey of 4,436 people who were 65 and older and who were hospitalized at least once over the past 3 years. Researchers found that participants who reported challenges communicating with their doctors were 32% more likely to return to the hospital the following month. Additionally, 12% reported that hearing challenges made it difficult for them to communicate with healthcare providers. 

Hospitals are environments with greater levels of background noise. This presents hearing challenges for people with hearing loss. Additionally, if healthcare providers are unaware that their patient has impaired hearing or are unfamiliar with how to effectively communicate with people that have hearing challenges; hearing can become even more challenging in these contexts. This impacts a person’s capacity to engage in conversation about their health, symptoms, treatment, etc. which impacts the care they receive. 

Hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss. These electronic devices are designed to absorb, amplify, and process sound which provides the ears and brain with ample support. This alleviates symptoms and maximizes one’s hearing capacity, making it easier to hear and communicate. The support hearing aids allow people to participate in conversation and move through various environments with greater ease. This is especially useful in environments with more background noise like hospitals.  People are better able to hear what is being communicated and can readily respond, making them more active in conversations about their health. This supports their participation and significantly improves care.  

Treating hearing loss starts by having your hearing evaluated. Conducted by a hearing healthcare specialist, a hearing test involves a painless process that measures your hearing capacity in both ears. This identifies any hearing loss and established what your hearing needs are. Treating hearing loss offers life-changing benefits that transform your overall health, supporting people to live more fully. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation!

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