CHS 100: Age-Related Hearing Loss by Rachel Yonan

Age-Related Hearing Loss

ecnelso9 — 2025-01-30 22:43:05 UTC

Age-related hearing loss is problem that affects many people as they age. This is why we chose this focus problem and why it's important to be educated on the topic.

Source: NIH

Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

Who?

riyonan — 2025-01-30 22:46:25 UTC

Among the elderly, it affects especially those who are male, have lighter skin color, and those who face cardiovascular disease risk factors as it can increase injury to cochlear blood vessels.

Source:

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp2306778

Causes: Long-term exposure to loud noise (such as music or work-related noise)

2025-01-30 22:49:16 UTC

Many things can effect age related hearing loss but one of the main factors is long-term exposure to loud noise (such as music or work-related noise) in your inner ear that help you to hear.

Loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear and the hearing nerve as well which is what leads to hearing loss over time.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/presbycusis

Causes:

ecnelso9 — 2025-01-30 22:58:29 UTC

Age-related hearing loss can occur due to many other factors associated with aging.

Medication: Medication which elderly people take can impact their hearing. For example, Viagra and certain cancer medication may affect hearing.
Illness: The effects of certain illnesses can affect a person's hearing. For example, meningitis can damage a person's cochlea (auditory organ in the inner ear).

source: Mayo Clinic

Hearing loss - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

A Quick Intro to Age-Related Hearing Loss

ecnelso9 — 2025-01-30 23:05:43 UTC

Source: YouTube

Anatomical Structures: The Ear

ecnelso9 — 2025-02-06 22:43:59 UTC

The anatomical structures involved in age-related hearing loss are the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear consists of the pinna and the ear canal. The middle ear, separated from the outer ear by the eardrum, includes the malleus, incus, stapes, and auditory tube. The inner ear includes the cochlea and the semicircular canals.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Hearing loss - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Causes of age related hearing loss

2025-02-06 22:47:05 UTC

The main cause of age related hearing loss is gradual wear and tear to tiny sensory cells called hair cells in the cochlea.

Another thing to look at would be your environment and lifestyle factors as that will affect your hearing tremendously in the end. Another large factor to consider is your genetics because this issue can unfortunately be hereditary.

https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/hearing-loss/types-of-hearing-loss-and-deafness/age-related-hearing-loss/#:~:text=The%20main%20cause%20of%20age,organ%20in%20the%20inner%20ear).

-Kierra Blundell

Affected Processes

riyonan — 2025-02-06 22:49:16 UTC

Cognitive Decline: Memory can deplete and concentration can weaken. Those with ARHL are more likely to develop dementia.

Depression: ARHL can cause the elderly to harbor feelings of embarrassment and frustration about their condition. They can face criticism from others who do not understand their struggles. This can cause them to become isolated and lonely.

Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults#health-effects-of-hearing-loss

Video on causes of age related hearing loss

2025-02-06 22:58:28 UTC

-Kierra Blundell

Anatomical Structure Affected by Age-Related Hearing Loss: Inner Ear

ecnelso9 — 2025-02-06 23:00:59 UTC

The video above is a deep dive into the anatomical structures within the inner ear. These structures described in the video include the cochlea, cochlea canal, spiral lamina, vestibular, semicircular canals, membranous labyrinth, spiral organ of cordy, sakyo, and utricle.

Vibrations travel through the inner ear as follows:

The vibration travels through to the fluid-filled chambers of the cochlea, then the hair cells along the cochlea create electrical impulses out of the vibration, and finally these electrical impulses travel across the auditory nerve to the brain.

The inner ear plays a big role in hearing, and unfortunately this is where hearing loss begins. The inner ear contains the structures which take a lot of wear (i.e. damaged hair cells), so this results in damage to the inner ear.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Hearing loss - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Health Impacts of ARHL

riyonan — 2025-02-06 23:06:18 UTC

This video further brings awareness to the impacts of hearing loss among adults over 60 years old, and how effects like lower IQ, socialization issues, and healthcare costs can seem to have a "domino effect" on their health.

Source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2iffWpxXgo

Symptoms: Different Difficulties

ecnelso9 — 2025-02-13 22:41:46 UTC

A person experiencing age-related hearing loss can have difficulty hearing consonants, difficulty hearing words, and difficulty hearing when there is background noise. These are just a few of the immediate symptoms that someone might experience.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Hearing loss - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Acute treatment age related hearing loss (hearing aids)

2025-02-13 22:42:27 UTC

Although there are many options to improve your hearing, Hearing aids are the best acute symptom management for age-related hearing loss. This is because they provide immediate amplification of sounds, helping individuals hear better in various environments. They also improve speech understanding, reduce strain, and enhance overall communication, allowing users to maintain social interactions and daily activities despite gradual hearing decline. There is so many good things about hearing aids including they’re customizable, discreet, and help maintain social connections, mental health, and safety by amplifying important sounds in daily life especially high pitch sounds which seems to be the largest problem.

-Kierra Blundell

Diagnosis: By Physical Examination

riyonan — 2025-02-13 22:45:45 UTC

Physicians can examine ears with otoscopes, which are small tools that can fit in the ear canal to magnify and illuminate the inner ear for closer analysis. They may find inflammation, swelling, blockage, or lack of hair cells that would indicate presbycusis.

Sources: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5840-age-related-hearing-loss#diagnosis-and-tests

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentTypeID=85&ContentID=P00463

Symptoms: Having to Adapt to Hearing-Loss

ecnelso9 — 2025-02-13 22:48:56 UTC

Loss of hearing isn't the only symptom of hearing loss. This loss of hearing can result in individuals needing to turn up the volume of tv's and radios especially high, having to ask others to speak louder and clearer, and shying away from social settings. These are symptoms which can signify a person is losing their hearing and, in turn, is having to make adaptations to their everyday life.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Hearing loss - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Acute treatment age related hearing loss (Assistive devices)

2025-02-13 22:52:24 UTC

There are five general types of assistive listening devices: audio induction (also called a hearing) loop, FM system, infrared system, personal amplified system and Bluetooth systems. The best assistive listening device depends on an individual needs, but FM systems are often considered highly effective due to their versatility, range, and ability to work in various settings like classrooms or theaters for example. They transmit clear sound over long distances, even in noisy environments, providing better clarity and convenience for users which is one thing people with age related hearing loss really struggle with.

https://mn.gov/deaf-hard-of-hearing/assistive-technology/assistive-listening-devices/#:~:text=There%20are%20five%20general%20types,amplified%20system%20and%20Bluetooth%20systems.

-Kierra Blundell

Diagnosis: By Hearing Tests

riyonan — 2025-02-13 22:53:13 UTC

An audiologist may use an audiometer test, where sounds and tones are played through earphones. The patient can express what they can and cannot hear, demonstrating what volumes and frequencies are in their hearing range.

Sources:

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentTypeID=85&ContentID=P00463

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373077

Cognitive Decline

riyonan — 2025-02-20 22:33:07 UTC

Individuals with ARHL have a "30-40% accelerated rate" of cognitive decline. Impairments with mental reasoning are likely to occur sooner than with those without ARHL or a form of hearing aid, as hearing loss demands higher cognitive load and neurological overcompensation. In the long-term, this can result in dementia and issues with language, concentration, and executive function.

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3869227/#:~:text=The%20magnitude%20of%20these%20associations,to%20individuals%20with%20normal%20hearing.

Long-Term Consequence: Trouble Socializing

ecnelso9 — 2025-02-20 22:44:06 UTC

People struggling with age-related hearing loss have a harder time socializing, because having a normal conversation is more difficult. Conversation don't feel as natural as it used to since they may need to ask people to repeat themselves, speak louder, or slower. This can be overwhelming for someone experiencing hearing loss, especially when they may also have to deal with background noise. Once someone with hearing-loss starts avoiding socialization, this puts them at a higher risk of developing different disorders and problems. Dementia, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, depression, poor sleep, and heart disease can occur once someone avoids socialization.

Source: Johns Hopkins

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss

The social & emotional impact of hearing loss.

ecnelso9 — 2025-02-20 22:49:44 UTC

This is an additional video which helps explain the consequences hearing-loss can have on a person's social life and emotional wellbeing.

Source: YouTube

The social & emotional impact of hearing loss.

Long term consequences of balance/ walking issues or likely hood of falling with ARHL

2025-02-22 13:55:22 UTC

Age-related hearing loss can contribute to balance and walking issues, increasing the likelihood of falls. Hearing loss may reduce spatial awareness and the ability to detect environmental sounds, making it harder to adjust to changes in terrain or avoid obstacles. Additionally, it can affect coordination and increase the risk of accidents. Over time, these issues can lead to a loss of independence, a decline in physical activity, and a higher risk of injury due to falls. Proper management and interventions can help mitigate these risks.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966636224005137#:~:text=Hearing%20loss%20(HL)%20is%20prevalent,of%20falls%20in%20older%20individuals.

-Kierra Blundell

Hearing Aids

riyonan — 2025-02-27 22:56:43 UTC

Hearing aids are a very common device used by those with ARHL. They are wearable electronic devices that make sounds louder, typically behind the ear but some are worn inside the ear. They can be more affordably purchased over the counter for a price of around $300 to $2,000 per pair. However, in the long-term better quality prescription hearing aids may be purchased for $3000 to $8000 per pair. Insurance is not likely to cover the entire cost of hearing aids for the elderly with ARHL, as many states' insurance plans only cover the cost for children with hearing loss. Most insurance plans with hearing aid coverage will provide for up to 85% of the cost. If someone with ARHL chooses not to utilize hearing aids, this can lead to long term consequences of mental deterioration and dementia as their condition progresses, and social isolation and depression over time.

Sources: https://www.seniorliving.org/hearing-aids/cost/#:~:text=Prescription%20hearing%20aids%20can%20cost,dollars%20to%20%243%2C000%20per%20pair.&text=*%20Prices%20will%20vary%20by%20location%20and%20provider

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss#:~:text=Treatment%20will%20depend%20on%20the,auditoriums%2C%20and%20places%20of%20worship

Assistive Devices: Telecommunication & Alerting Devices

ecnelso9 — 2025-02-27 23:08:16 UTC

To accommodate for age-related hearing loss, sometimes assistive devices such as telecommunication and alerting devices are necessary. Telecommunication devices take audio, such as a phone call, and convert the speak to a text. This allows someone experiencing hearing loss to continue communicating via telephone. Alerting devices can also help by using light, sound, and/or vibration to alert someone experiencing hearing loss. Alerting devices help to draw attention to a doorbell ring, phone ring, or smoke detector.

These services are now provided free because of Title IV of the ADA put it into law. Therefore, it is no longer has to be a concern if someone's insurance covers the assistive device.

However, if someone doesn't take advantage of these services, they put themselves at risk of isolation and may even put themselves in dangerous situations. They will struggle to communicate via phone and may not hear their smoke detector go off.

Sources:

ADA: ADA Requirements: Effective Communication | ADA.gov

NIH: Assistive Devices for People with Hearing or Speech Disorders | NIDCD

Cochlear implants

2025-02-28 01:42:37 UTC

Cochlear implants generally cost between $30,000 and $50,000, including surgery, device, and follow-up care. Insurance coverage varies, but many plans do offer partial or full coverage for medically necessary implants. Without treatment, untreated hearing loss can lead to significant social isolation, difficulty communicating, and cognitive decline, potentially affecting job performance and overall quality of life. Over time, the impact of untreated hearing loss may become more severe, making treatment more difficult and expensive.

https://www.babyhearing.org/devices/cochlear-implant-cost#:~:text=How%20much%20do%20cochlear%20implants,provide%20coverage%20for%20cochlear%20implants.

-Kierra Blundell

Mental Health Counseling

ecnelso9 — 2025-03-06 22:53:21 UTC

Mental health counseling is extremely helpful for those experiencing hearing loss. This kind of counseling attempts to provide patients with coping mechanisms to help with the emotional struggles of hearing loss. This can include ways to deal with isolation and embarrassment that can come with hearing loss. The main goal of this counseling is to help patients find meaning in their lives and even meaning in their ailment.

The professional best equipped to provide this form of counseling is a counselor, phycologist, psychiatrist, or therapist familiar with hearing loss and the struggles that accompany it.

Source: NCOA

https://www.ncoa.org/article/can-hearing-loss-affect-mental-health-in-older-adults/

What type of professional would be able to deliver the treatment

2025-03-06 22:53:57 UTC

The two psychosocial rehabilitations we chose were mental health counseling and group therapy. In mental health counseling multiple different fields could treat it. For example, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and psychiatric nurses. The most common one would be a counsellor because that is what many people will be comfortable with. Group therapy is very similar although the professionals that would treat this consist of a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, psychiatric nurse, or marriage and family therapist. Picking the right professional will all depend on what you are comfortable with and what is moat available to you!

-https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/types-of-mental-health-professionals/

By:Kierra Blundell

Support Groups/Group Therapy

riyonan — 2025-03-06 22:55:15 UTC

Support group programs for those with ARHL can help people to find community with others who face similar struggles. They can communicate and provide comfort to one another so that they can work through the problems that come with hearing loss. Ultimately, this can create a sense of confidence and reassurance so that they socialize more often with loved ones, reduce depression, and experience a better quality of life. Social workers and mental health counselors can lead this rehabilitation.

Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4459777/#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20group%20audiologic,situations%20(Hogan%2C%202001).

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5849471/

Speech Rehibilitation

ecnelso9 — 2025-03-20 22:59:44 UTC

Speech reading is a form of speech rehibition for those experiencing hearing loss. Speech reading is the reading of visual ques to read a person's lips. This can be used in combination with assistive devices (like telephone amplifiers) to improve one's speech abilities. Speech reading helps with the long-term social isolation which can accompany hearing loss. Hearing loss can make holding conversations difficult which can cause social isolation. So, speech reading is one way to help someone with hearing loss regain their confidence while speaking to others.

Otolaryngologists are specialists who can help a patient learn to speech read, and audiologists help to distribute assistive devices.

Source: Johns Hopkins

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/presbycusis

Hearing rehabilitation

2025-03-20 23:00:06 UTC

The most common treatment for someone with hearing loss is auditory rehabilitation therapy. This therapy focuses on improving the individual's ability to understand and process speech, often using hearing aids, speechreading, or auditory training exercises. It is designed to address the communication challenges caused by hearing impairment, such as difficulty understanding conversations or following complex discussions. A Short-term effect would include increased awareness of sounds. Although a long-term effect may include improved speech comprehension and better communication skills which is key in day to day life. The professional to treat this would be a an audiologist or speech-language pathologist. They will use customized plans to meet the individual's unique needs.

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/who-can-i-turn-help-my-hearing-loss

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072

-Kierra Blundell

Cognitive Training

riyonan — 2025-03-20 23:05:26 UTC

Cognitive rehabilitation for people with ARHL consists of memory, attention, and speed of processing training. Puzzles and visual memory games may be used to improve neural responses. This can treat cognitive decline and combat the long-term risk of dementia in those with hearing loss. Audiologists and neuropsychologists can deliver this treatment.

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6088475/#:~:text=Computer%2Ddelivered%20cognitive%20training%20may,improving%20cognition%20in%20this%20population.

Exercise as a Lifestyle Change

riyonan — 2025-04-03 22:53:33 UTC

Exercise can benefit those with ARHL by improving balance and cardiovascular health. It can reduce inflammation, helping the blood vessels in the cochlea and preserving capillaries. Light exercises like walking and stretching can help combat balancing issues and reduce injury. The difficulty to begin this change may be around a 5 out of 1-10, because although simple exercise such as walking can be easy to incorporate, other physical issues associated with old age may prevent them from exercising regularly. Audiologists and exercise physiologists can support this change.

Sources: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5148246/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10733191/

Diet (lifestyle change)

2025-04-03 22:55:47 UTC

This video emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining overall health. It highlights the need for a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. The video also discusses the significance of portion control, staying hydrated, and limiting processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats in your eating habits. They stress the impact of proper nutrition on preventing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. In conclusion, the video encourages mindful eating, and consistency in making healthy dietary choices for long-term well-being.

-Kierra Blundell

https://youtu.be/c06dTj0v0sM?si=-xghf9yCIVKH9gny

Diet

ecnelso9 — 2025-04-03 22:56:25 UTC

Diet is thought to prevent and/or lessen the effects of age-related hearing loss. Foods like legumes, fish, broccoli, garlic, whole grains, dark chocolate, and bananas are examples of foods which may help. Also, vitamins such as magnesium, zinc, vitamins (A, B, C, & E), and Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial. Adding these foods to one's diet can be made easy with the assistance of a patient's audiologist and/or general practitioner. They can give recommendations to help them make these lifestyle changes using difference strategies. Strategies could be simply adding these foods to their diet or supplementing out other foods. Overall, changes to a patient's diet have a difficulty level of 3 on a scale of 1-10.

Source: Elder Care Alliance

What To Do To Improve Hearing | Elder Care Alliance

Exercise (lifestyle change)

2025-04-03 23:00:53 UTC

This video "the minimum cardio needed for a healthy lifestyle" explains the essential role cardiovascular exercise plays in overall health. It recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardio per week, as suggested by health organizations. This amount of exercise helps improve heart health, boost metabolism, manage weight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. The video also emphasizes that even short bursts of activity, like walking or cycling, can have significant benefits. Consistency, variety, and gradual progression in cardio activities are key to long-term health benefits both physically and mentally!

-Kierra Blundell

https://youtu.be/EbI0gqAm4qE?si=oKkGl-sQwBJAvsxH

Diet for Preventing ARHL

riyonan — 2025-04-10 22:42:56 UTC

With a healthier routine diet, the chances of hearing loss in old age can be reduced. Proper nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and zinc, as well as vitamins C and E, as they improve blood flow to the ears and lower inflammation and oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean meat can be helpful. Challenges may arise due to accessibility factors like cost or individual food restrictions like allergies.

Sources:

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/healthy-diets-linked-lower-risk-hearing-loss-women

https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53053-Diet-and-hearing-loss-what-the-research-says

Exercise for Preventing ARHL

ecnelso9 — 2025-04-10 22:44:18 UTC

Regular exercise is a great preventative measure for hearing loss. Diabetes and high blood pressure can create hearing problems and implementing regular exercise into your life is a way of combatting this. Exercise works as a preventative measure for many diseases and ailments, yet it can be difficult for some to implement. The benefits of exercise only come when practiced routinely, so some may struggle with committing to regular exercise.

Source: Cleveland Clinic

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17673-hearing-lossLinks to an external site.

Ear protection

2025-04-10 22:46:07 UTC

There are lots of ways to reduce ARHL, although ear protection, such as earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs are very key. They help reduce exposure to loud noises that can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. By minimizing noise-induced damage over time, individuals can preserve their hearing health into older age which seems to be a big problem in seniors today.

Although, being able to promote consistent use of ear protection may bring challenges. Many people underestimate the long-term effects of noise exposure or may feel that ear protection is uncomfortable, inconvenient, or looks silly to use in public or work settings. For older adults or people in high-risk occupations, integrating ear protection into daily routines requires education on why this is so important and constant reminders of ear safety to make it a normal practice.

Source:https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-protectors

-Kierra Blundell

Men

riyonan — 2025-04-17 22:33:20 UTC

Males are statistically more likely to develop hearing loss in old age, the ratio being almost twice as likely. A direct explanation for this is not always clear, but there are factors such as environment and genetics. Men have a lower life expectancy which can cause symptoms that come with old age to affect them more severely. They also experience cultural and social standards that contribute to their noise exposure throughout life, such as occupational norms like construction and common hobbies like riding motorcycles or shooting firearms. This brings up a special challenge for elderly men seeking treatment, as sex is a biological aspect which makes them innately vulnerable to ARHL.

Sources: https://online.aging.ufl.edu/about/articles/why-is-hearing-loss-more-common-in-men-than-women/#:~:text=Studies%20consistently%20show%20that%20men,%2C%20occupation%2C%20health%20and%20heredity

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7012726/#:~:text=The%20reasons%20for%20these%20sex,men%20e.g.%2C(20).

People with less education

2025-04-17 22:45:09 UTC

People with less education are at a much greater risk of being negatively affected by ARHL loss because they often have limited access to healthcare resources. They may also lack awareness of the importance of early intervention. Education is linked to better health literacy, and individuals with less education may not recognize the significance of hearing loss or know how to address it effectively.

The challenges they face in prevention include limited access to hearing protection or education on how to prevent damage from environmental noise, as well as fewer opportunities to engage in regular hearing check-ups. For diagnosis, they may not seek professional help due to a lack of understanding about hearing loss or financial barriers that come with it. In terms of treatment, individuals with less education may face difficulties in affording or accessing hearing aids, or they may not fully understand how to use these devices effectively. That is why education is so important when it comes to this issue.

-Kierra Blundell

https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/80/3/gbae202/7986072

Minority Groups

ecnelso9 — 2025-04-17 22:46:45 UTC

Members of minority groups may not receive an adequate level of healthcare or education on the disease due to socioeconomic restraints. These groups can struggle to receive care for age-related hearing loss, because it may not be within their budget and/or they aren't aware of the different treatments available. This makes diagnosis, treatment, and prevention very difficult since the groups aren't aware of the services they lack and there are socioeconomic barriers keeping them from the necessary resources for ARHL.

Source: NIH

Racial/Ethnic and Socioeconomic Disparities in Hearing Health Care Among Older Americans - PMC

Hearing Protection

ecnelso9 — 2025-04-24 22:56:58 UTC

Hearing protectors include ear plugs and earmuffs. These can be simple or electronic and help to prevent age-related hearing loss or the worsening of hearing loss. One downside of hearing protection would be that they can be easily forgotten and aren't commonly used. This can make it difficult for some to get in the habit of wearing them or feel comfortable wearing them.

Source:

NIH

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-protectorsLinks to an external site.

Audiometers

riyonan — 2025-04-24 23:00:18 UTC

Audiometers commonly assist with the diagnosis of ARHL, as an audiometry exams can analyze how well a patient can hear. It can play sounds to test certain amplitudes and frequencies that the patient can hear, allowing audiologists to assess their hearing capabilities and what treatments may be best for them. A possible downside to its usage is that it is mostly accessible as a hearing test done by a professional, so hearing loss may not be identified early on by those who cannot regularly afford hearing checkups.

Sources:

https://www.maico-diagnostics.com/products/audiometers?filters=%5B%2522141c58a982ae4ec9b66103c9f7041dd2%2522%5D&link=%2522%2522

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559220/#:~:text=In%20general%2C%20an%20audiometry%20exam,one%20ear%20at%20a%20time

Noise cancelling headphones/ earplugs

2025-04-24 23:01:35 UTC

Noise-Cancelling Headphones are very useful and use active noise cancellation technology, where microphones detect surrounding noise, and the headphones produce sound waves that counteract the unwanted noise. This technology helps prevent hearing loss by reducing exposure to loud environments. However, overuse or prolonged exposure to high volumes through headphones can damage hearing. Additionally, this may cause a sense of pressure or discomfort in some users so find what is comfortable for you.

Earplugs are also simple devices that block out sound by physically sealing the ear canal. They are primarily used to prevent hearing loss in noisy environments like concerts or construction sites. While effective in protecting hearing, earplugs may cause discomfort if worn for long also. They also need to be cleaned properly which can be a hassle. Although this is a great device, sometimes they work to well so you need to be aware of your surroundings and be very alert.

https://theconversation.com/noise-cancelling-headphones-earplugs-and-earmuffs-do-they-really-help-neurodivergent-people-230113#:~:text=Sound%20travels%20in%20waves%20into,process%20is%20called%20phase%20cancellation.

-Kierra Blundell

Assistive Technology

ecnelso9 — 2025-04-24 23:03:34 UTC

Assistive technology includes alerting systems and assistive listening devices (text to speech, sound amplifiers, etc.). These are types of devices (not including hearing aids or cochlear implants) which augment sounds for safety and communication. These are used for treatment of age-related hearing loss by increasing safety and one's socialation capabilities. One difficulty could be the price of these assistive devices if they are not covered by insurance or government programs.

Source:

HLAA

https://www.hearingloss.org/find-help/hearing-assistive-technology/Links to an external site.

Hearing Examinations for Elderly Healthcare

riyonan — 2025-05-01 22:37:56 UTC

Integrating hearing screenings for the older demographic into their regular primary care targets healthcare policies. It can make receiving aid for ARHL more accessible and make detection easier and sooner in its progression. This could potentially cause cost issues as policies would have to determine how hearing tests would increase healthcare cost or affect insurance coverage.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK569275/

Public Awareness Campaigns

riyonan — 2025-05-01 22:38:27 UTC

Public awareness campaigns can encourage those experiencing ARHL to seek treatment and appropriate care by targeting the individuals through PSAs, media, and community outreach events. This could possibly face challenges due to funding or resource shortages or difficulty assessing how to reach the elderly demographic.

Sources: https://www.entandaudiologynews.com/features/audiology-features/post/the-role-of-public-health-in-addressing-age-related-hearing-loss

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5024732/

Data Collection & Research

ecnelso9 — 2025-05-01 22:44:11 UTC

A measure which can be taken to help the public is the collection of data and research on age-related hearing loss. This data can then inform laws and individuals. Data collection and research are the first steps towards educating the people and improving the treatments for age-related hearing loss. One difficulty with implementing this intervention is funding. Research can be expensive when the researchers and research subjects have to be paid.

Source:

WHO

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-lossLinks to an external site.

Increased Training for Healthcare Professionals

ecnelso9 — 2025-05-01 22:46:45 UTC

Kierra's post

--> increasing awareness of age-related hearing loss among healthcare workers

Increased training for healthcare professionals

2025-05-05 03:58:15 UTC

Increased training for healthcare professionals can significantly improve the recognition, diagnosis, and management of age-related hearing loss. With better education, providers are more likely to identify early symptoms, differentiate hearing loss from cognitive decline, and make timely referrals to audiologists. Training also enhances communication skills, enabling professionals to counsel patients and families effectively about hearing aids or assistive devices. It also raises awareness of the emotional and social impact on older adults. Early intervention, supported by knowledgeable care providers, can help slow progression, improve quality of life, and reduce related risks like isolation, depression, and reduced cognitive function.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK385310/

-Kierra Blundell