Hearing loss can affect quality of life By Debbie Henry
Hearing loss increases with age and is the third most common chronic condition in adults in the United States. According to the American Speech Language and Hearing Association, approximately 28 million individuals have a hearing loss. Hearing loss may be caused by noise or trauma, sensitivity to certain medications, genetic factors and infections. In the past, hearing loss was considered more prevalent for men, but as women have moved into non-traditional occupations, noise exposure has become a concern for both men and women. Repeated exposure, or in some cases, a single exposure to a loud noise can cause hearing loss. Earplugs should be used to lessen the danger of permanent hearing loss. A Northwestern University study on women and hearing has found that by age 55, about 13 percent of all women have impaired hearing. By age 65, it increases to 25 percent, and by age 85 it is more than 75 percent of women. The normal effect of aging causes a loss of high frequency
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sounds. Individuals with this type of loss often complain, “I can hear, but I can’t understand.” This is the most common type of hearing loss, and treatment often requires the use of a hearing aid. Hearing aids offer a workable solution to communication problems, yet only 22 percent of the hearing-impaired population use one. A small study of women recently completed by the International Center for Hearing and Speech Research found that women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) performed poorer on hearing tests than women who did not use HRT. This was especially true when trying to hear in the presence of background noise. The researchers have stated the need for more study in this area. As we age, many of us will be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. High cholesterol and high blood pressure can affect the inner ear functioning and cause a permanent hearing loss. Some life-saving medications can damage hearing, and if it is necessary for you to take one of these medications, your doctor may monitor the side effects with periodic hearing tests.
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