Signs and effects of hearing loss

There are several common symptoms of hearing loss and include the following:

• Continually asking people to repeat words or phrases
• Prefer the TV or radio louder than others
• Hearing and not understanding
• Feeling as though most people mumble or talk too fast
• Difficulty hearing in background noise such as restaurants
• Difficulty understanding speech in a group of people
• Requiring people to move closer to hear
• Fatigue at then end of the day from straining to listen
• Avoiding situations because of the inability to hear
• Difficulty understanding conversations in the car
• Difficulty hearing on the phone
• Watching speakers intently to hear
• Inability to hear soft sounds such as whispers or rain falling
• Inability to hear birds chirping, or a watch ticking
• Inabilty to hear at church or other services
• Difficulty hearing at meetings
• Inabilty to hear or enjoy music
• Difficulty hearing certain family members
• Strained relationships with family and friends
• Feelings of depression, isolation or anxiety

Some of the negative effects associated with an untreated hearing loss include serious emotional and social consequences, according to a major study released in 1999 by The National Council on the Aging (NCOA). The study was conducted by the Seniors Research Group, an alliance between NCOA and Market Strategies Inc. The research group surveyed of 2,300 hearing impaired adults in the 50+ category. The results clearly indicated that those individuals with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report anxiety and depression and were significantly less likely to participate in social activities, compared to those who wear hearing aids. The survey highlighted serious consequences affecting the seniors with untreated hearing loss, including greater feelings of sadness and hopelessness that lasted two or more weeks during the previous year. Specifically, among those with hearing loss, 30 % of non hearing aid users reported feelings of sadness, compared to 22 % of hearing aid users. 42 % of hearing aid users participate regularly in social activities compared to just 32 % of non-users. "This study debunks the myth that untreated hearing loss in older persons is a harmless condition," (James Firman, Ed.D., president and CEO of The National Council on the Aging.)