How's Your Hearing?

Article submitted by Max S. Chartrand, Ph.D., the Managing Director of DigiCare Hearing Research & Rehabilitation. He is a highly published author and worldwide lecturer on hearing impairment. He can be reached at 719-676-3277.

More than half of seniors experience hearing loss significant enough to require amplification, yet more than 70% of these have yet to take advantage of the wonderful solutions available to them. Since hearing loss is an "invisible handicap" that progresses over many years, it is often mistaken for personality and cognitive changes. Following is a quick review of the quality of life aspects of the three stages of hearing loss:

Mild Hearing Loss (20-40dB)

The most elusive stage is that of mild loss, which brings subtle behavior and personality changes. As communication breaks down, sufferers are often accused of hearing when they want to ... or of not paying attention. Young sufferers can be misdiagnosed as ADD, while older sufferers begin exhibiting short-term memory and attentional issues. Early intervention is imperative rather than waiting until the psycho-social barriers are built so high that they cannot climb over them on their own.

Moderate Loss (40-70dB PTA)

At this stage, frustration and depression set in. Even those who have learned how to cope experience inner turmoil and insecurities as an integral facet of their responses to life around them. Strained social relationships give way to the breaking of bonds and abandonment of ambitions. Dependency upon another person begins to set in, taking away self-confidence and self-esteem. Sufferers at this stage are rarely able or motivated to seek help hearing on their own.

Severe Hearing Loss (70-90dB)

Without appropriate amplification, this stage of progressive loss has taken a great toll on not only the well-being of the sufferer, but also those around them. Feelings of resentment and abandonment grow, along with frustration and social isolation. Often feeling trapped in a world filled with insensitivity, miscommunication, and perceived disregard, sufferers at this stage are disconnected from spontaneous and open communication. Substance abuse, marital discord, cognitive decline, and use of medical services are more than four times higher for this population than for the hearing population in general.

The earlier a hearing loss is treated the less damage to one's personality, relationships, and quality of life. Indeed, the gift of better hearing is one of the greatest gifts one can offer a hearing impaired loved one.