Do you need a hearing aid?

Although hearing loss often begins as early as one’s 40s or 50s, most people don’t realize it has happened until much later.

"Often it is the people who live with around the person who notice hearing loss first,” says Dr. Sonia Sehgal, a geriatrician who leads UCI Health Senior Health Services.

The signs include:

• Turning up the volume when listening to the television or radio
• Difficulty deciphering conversations in noisy environments, such as restaurants
• Relying more on lip reading

If you notice yourself or a loved one doing any of those, Sehgal recommends seeing an audiologist.

“A simple test can help determine if you will benefit from hearing aids,” she says. “It’s important to talk to your doctor about hearing health.”

Hearing loss and aging

Hearing loss is not generally thought of as a normal part of aging, says Sehgal, but it is more common.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one in three people between ages 65 and 74 have hearing loss. Almost half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.

But it’s not inevitable, Seghal points out.

“There is a lot we can do to protect our hearing.”

That includes:

• Avoiding exposure to continuous loud noise
• Wearing ear plugs at loud social events and concerts
• Monitoring headphone or ear bud volume
• Keeping objects out of the ear canal, such as cotton swabs

“Newer wearable devices often have alerts to let the user know if they are in an area with loud noise that is at a level of potential harm,” says Sehgal.

Hearing aids and alternatives

Anyone with mild hearing loss can benefit from new products available, including personal amplification systems and assistive listening devices, she says. Newer versions of some ear buds even provide external sound amplification.

Hearing aids, however, are the most beneficial.

“People with untreated hearing impairment often slowly start to limit social interactions, which are so important to well-being,” says Sehgal. “Hearing loss is also linked to an increased risk of dementia.”

Whether hearing aids are purchased over the counter or through a physician, their benefits cannot be overstated.

“I encourage people with hearing loss to strongly consider hearing aids,” Sehgal says. “They improve quality of life.”