| Wednesday, February 23, 2000 |
The National Council on the Aging recently surveyed more than 2,300 people 50 and over to determine the effects of hearing loss on their lives. The study also surveyed more than 2,000 family members to measure their perception of the effects of hearing loss and hearing aid use. According to the NCOA report, more than 10 million Americans between the ages of 45 and 64 and more than nine million Americans over 64 have significant hearing loss. However, most people with hearing loss have never sought treatment or used hearing aids for their hearing difficulties. What prevents someone with hearing loss from seeking help? The most frequently reported reason for not using hearing aids in the survey was: “My hearing is not bad enough.” Even individuals who reported severe hearing difficulties cited this reason. Other reasons that were reported frequently were “the cost of hearing aids” and the belief that “hearing aids won't help.” Individuals that do not seek help report significantly more negative effects from their hearing loss, including less social activity, episodes of sadness and depression, and episodes of feeling tense, irritable or anxious. These differences were also found when acounting for such factors as age, gender and degree of hearing loss. According to the survey, adults over 50 who did use hearing aids reported better relationships with their families, greater independence and an improved social life. Family members also reported improvements in all these areas, often greater improvements than the hearing aid users themselves reported. NCOA investigators recommend that older people who are suspected of having hearing loss should seek appropriate screening, diagnosis and treatment. Andy Waits owns and operates Waits Hearing Aid Center in Fayetteville.
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