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this document in PDF format Table of contents Hearing loss is a disability that frequently goes unnoticed. It is the most common sensory impairment in adults over the age of 65, affecting more than 30% of Canadians in this age group. Hearing loss is serious: not only does it affect the physical sense of hearing, it affects overall well-being. Because of the communication difficulties it creates, hearing loss can lead to withdrawal from family, friends and social situations. Types of hearing lossOne in 10 Canadians has a hearing loss. More than 50% of Canadians over the age of 65 have an inner ear hearing loss. Inner ear hearing loss is usually not reversible. Some of its causes, such as noise damage (see Causes of hearing loss for more causes), are preventable by wearing hearing protection or avoiding very loud environments (such as rock concerts).
One common inner ear condition, called presbycusis, reduces perception of high-pitched sounds, such as birds singing, bells ringing and certain consonant sounds in speech (s, sh, f, th). Without high-pitched sounds, speech seems muffled and unclear. Those with presbycusis often "hear" but do not understand what is being said. Conductive hearing loss blocks sound from getting through to the inner ear. Sound is quieter but clear if turned loud enough. The person's own voice seems louder to them, so they will often speak more softly. Causes may include packed earwax, infection or fluid in the middle ear, or abnormal bone growth on the tiny middle ear bones. Some of these causes can be treated by medication or surgery.
Head noises (tinnitus) is a common hearing-related problem characterized by the sensation of sound when there is no external noise. Tinnitus sounds vary widely from person to person, including descriptions such as ringing, buzzing, chirping, whistling, hissing or pulsing. This may be accompanied by tension in the head and neck, fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, feelings of panic and depression. For some, the tinnitus is constant and has a significant impact on their lives, and for a few, the impact of tinnitus and its side effects can be disabling. However, for most people head noises come and go without causing severe inconvenience. Tinnitus may occur with a hearing loss, but can also occur in someone with normal hearing. When it is present with normal hearing, it may be a warning sign that the inner ear is beginning to be damaged. Potential causes are numerous, for example, exposure to excessive noise, age-related changes of the inner ear, certain medications (e.g., high doses of aspirin), high blood pressure, head trauma, nerve tumour, and increased fluid in the inner ear. Therefore, it is important to consult a physician to determine the cause.
What to do
Coping with hearing problemsDon't lose out on communication and contact because you can't hear well. Thousands of Canadians have improved their lifestyle by using assistive devices such as hearing aids to improve the volume of sound in the particular pitches that they miss hearing. Today's hearing aids are much improved and provide clear, comfortable sound. Proper hearing keeps communication flowing. Most people with hearing loss can benefit from a binaural system -- a hearing aid in each ear. It provides better directionality, better clarity, and better ability to separate sounds in noise.
Management of tinnitus (head noises) may include using a hearing aid or tinnitus masking device, changes in diet, medication, stress management techniques, or tinnitus retraining therapy. Many other devices can help compensate for hearing loss. You can make your life easier by getting a loud ringer or light on the telephone so you don't miss any calls, activating the captioning feature on your television (available on all newer televisions) and installing a light that flashes when your doorbell rings. For more information on assistive devices, consult Go for it! A guide to choosing and using assistive devices. For more information...For additional information please contact the following organizations: Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Canadian Hearing Society Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA) Tinnitus Association of Canada Canadian Academy of Audiology
Our thanks to the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, the Canadian Hearing Society and the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists for their help in the preparation of this info-sheet. Division of Aging and Seniors This info-sheet is available in alternative formats on demand. © Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada. 2006. Cat. no.: HP24-6/1-2006E |
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If you think that you have a hearing loss or have tinnitus, ask your family doctor to refer you to an audiologist for a hearing test. A thorough hearing evaluation by an audiologist is important to determine the type and degree of hearing loss, and what treatment or hearing aid options may be available. You may also require a referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor if a medically treatable cause of the hearing loss is suspected.
