According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, approximately 20% of adults in the U.S. report some level of hearing loss. Of these 48 million people, the vast majority are the over the age of 65 and hearing loss is specifically linked to changes in the body due to aging. The organization further reports that at the age of 65, one out of three people reported hearing loss. Understanding the cause(s) behind age-related hearing loss is the first step in maintaining quality of life.
As we age, sometimes from as early as our mid to late 40s,
hair cells may begin to deteriorate. The body is unable to regrow new hair
cells at the moment, so
when a critical mass of hair cells is affected, hearing loss will be
experienced. In time, that gradual loss in hearing ability can start impacting quality
of life. Once this has occurred, the
condition does not simply “go away.” Rather the negative effects tend to get
worse the older one gets.
Other contributing factors may accelerate the progression of
age-related hearing loss:
·
Damage to the inner ear hair cells from prolonged
exposure to harmful noise levels
·
Family history
·
Certain medical conditions and medications
·
Smoking
What Does Hearing Loss Sound Like?
We use the phrase “sound like” because age-related hearing
loss rarely leads to complete deafness. Typically, an individual will retain
some hearing ability. Common symptoms include:
·
Difficulty hearing people around you, especially
in noisy areas
·
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
·
Frustration at not being able to hear others, TV,
radio, etc.
·
Certain sounds seeming overly loud
·
Problems telling apart certain sounds such as “s”
or “th”
·
More difficulty understanding people with
higher-pitched voices
·
Ringing in the ears
Beyond the obvious reduction in quality of life and risk of
becoming socially isolated, growing evidence suggests that if left unmanaged, hearing loss can aid in the progression of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers
believe that the strain put on the brain to decode sound when hearing loss is
left unmanaged is simply too much and overwhelms the brain. Another idea voiced
by several studies is that social isolation, which is commonly experienced by
people with hearing loss, may also aid in the progression of these conditions.
Sadly, no. Because the body is unable to regenerate hair
cells, the damage is irreversible. However, using devices such as hearing aids, the condition can be
managed. The first step is getting a hearing test at your doctor’s office or local
hearing center. The test will show if you have any hearing loss and its severity.
Many types
of hearing aids are available, as are other helpful devices that amplify
sound.
Hearing loss should not be ignored. It can and should be managed.
Joan McKechnie, who is HCPC Registered (Health Care Professions Council in the UK), works for Hampshire-based HearingDirect.com.
Slots apart, find a way to|you possibly can} attempt your hand at desk games corresponding to blackjack and roulette in front of a live vendor, plus other 점보카지노 live vendor games like Lightning Roulette and Dream Catcher. What really got us onboard was their customer care status, low-playthrough first deposit bonuses, and respectable live vendor on line casino game choice. For example, need to|if you want to} play blackjack, virtually all the casinos mentioned on this page might be suitable.
ReplyDelete