Hearing Difficulties and Associated Risks
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 13% of adults experience hearing difficulties, a figure that jumps to 27% among those aged 65 and older. Around 10% of adults suffer from tinnitus, which is often one of the earliest signs of hearing loss. This is illustrated by the case of 87-year-old Susan Bianco from Lancaster, who noticed changes in her hearing.
“In a crowd, it's very hard to understand someone when other people are talking around you,” says Susan Bianco.
Recommendations for Protecting Your Hearing
Audiologist Dr. Jackie Price from Penn State Health has outlined the dangers linked to hearing loss. She advises using ear protection when noise levels exceed 85 decibels. Common sources of harmful noise include:
- concerts
- sporting events
- fireworks
- operating power tools
Experts recommend using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones that reduce sound by at least 22 decibels to safeguard your hearing.
Hearing loss typically begins in the cochlea of the inner ear. Research also links hearing loss and tinnitus to:
- sleep disturbances
- difficulty concentrating
- relationship problems
- accelerated cognitive decline
- increased risk of depression and falls
Susan Bianco recently started tinnitus retraining therapy and now uses hearing aids. Specialists advise anyone who notices ringing or other unusual sounds in their ears to get a hearing test.
Other hearing disorders include hyperacusis, which makes everyday sounds seem unbearably loud, and misophonia, which triggers strong emotional reactions to specific noises. Tinnitus retraining therapy is one approach to managing tinnitus.
This information underscores the importance of hearing screenings, particularly for older adults, as hearing loss can significantly impact quality of life. Understanding the risks and taking preventive steps can help reduce the likelihood of developing serious hearing issues later on. Experts recommend regular hearing check-ups and using protective gear in noisy environments to preserve hearing for as long as possible.