How common are hearing problems?
Hearing issues are incredibly common that can affect people of all ages. Problems become more common after the age of 60 but even some newborns have detectable hearing problems.
An estimated 25% of men and women between the ages of 65-74 have disabling hearing loss. After the age of 75, that number jumps to 50%.
Far too many men and women assume that hearing problems are just another part of aging. They learn to accommodate their hearing problems and often don’t realize just how badly their hearing has deteriorated.
What are the signs of hearing problems?
In many cases, your loved ones will notice a decline in your ability to hear before you acknowledge there is a problem. Some things to keep an eye out for include:
- Difficulty hearing conversations over the phone
- Need to turn up the volume on your television or sound system
- Inability to understand speech from women and children
- Difficulty following a conversation when more than one person is talking
- Perception that others are mumbling
- Problems hearing over background noise
If you notice any of these changes or feel that your hearing just isn’t what it used to be, schedule a hearing test to determine if hearing loss is present.
What can I do to prevent hearing problems?
There are steps you can take to prevent hearing loss or to slow the progression of existing hearing problems. Try to incorporate these habits into your lifestyle to avoid hearing problems:
- Avoid listening to music at high volumes through headphones or earbuds.
- Wear ear plugs or special protective earmuffs when exposed to loud noises at work or at home.
- Try to avoid persistent loud sounds.
- Be alert for ear pain or unusual sounds within your ears, and schedule a hearing test if you notice changes in your hearing.
Not only can these steps prevent hearing problems from worsening, but they can also prevent hearing loss from developing if you can implement these habits in young people.
Hearing experts predict that today’s youth are likely to have serious hearing issues at an earlier age due to the widespread use of headphones and earbuds.
If you have questions or concerns about hearing problems, call or schedule an appointment online to meet with the team at Beneficial Hearing Aid Center.
