Experiencing hearing loss can be very traumatic and significantly affect the quality of an individual’s life. Often, they will have a feeling of anger, resentment, depression, or helplessness. There’s no need to panic when this happens to you since all these are normal reactions.

Hearing loss is a primary concern, especially for older adults in the U.S. According to the U.S Bureau of statistics, about 30% of adults between the ages of 60 to 75 years and about 50% of those between the ages of 70 to 80 suffer from hearing loss to some degree.

Every individual with a hearing loss issue has used one or more coping mechanisms at some point in their life.

Types of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss

This is a type of hearing loss that is caused due damage to the ear. This kind of hearing loss is also permanent. Conductive hearing loss issues, on the other hand, are reversible and are usually caused by an obstruction in the ear, eardrum damage, or ear wax.

Presbycusis

Presbycusis is perhaps the most common type of hearing loss problem for the elderly. It occurs with aging; however, it can also be caused by infections, loud noises, injuries, and even certain types of prescription medications.

Tinnitus

It is a common type of hearing loss for the elderly. A common symptom of Tinnitus is a ringing or roaring sound in the ear. It is essential to note that this usually is more of a sign than a disease and is indicative of a health problem. Due to this reason, it shouldn’t be ignored.

How to Cope with Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be very devastating because many of the traditional coping mechanisms that often involve sound don’t work as expected. Fortunately, individuals with hearing loss could get lasting relief using the following tactics:

Consult a hearing care specialist

According to a Colorado Springs hearing aids expert, one of the first specialist’s individuals with hearing loss should visit is an audiologist. In case a patient is experiencing a sudden sensorineural hearing loss issue and Tinnitus at the same time, seeing an audiologist could help reverse some of their symptoms.

Consider hearing aids

Despite popular belief, hearing aids will help restore an individual’s hearing range they lost and have also been discovered to help patients with Tinnitus cope better with their conditions. Using hearing aids can significantly help improve their tinnitus symptoms.

Make communication easier

It is essential to know that a person with hearing loss issues will not get used to their condition overnight. Especially if they are older, if you know a person who has just lost their hearing, you can assist them by doing the following:

• Call out their name before talking to them
• Turn down any background noise such as the dishwasher or TV
• Talk to them in areas that are well lit, calm, and quiet
• Face them when you speak so that they can easily read your gestures and see your mouth
• Avoid shouting, speak slowly, and clearly.

Learn as much information about Hearing loss

Understanding hearing loss can help ease an individual’s anxiety, helping them feel better. It will also offer them tips that can help their lives easier. Reading, consulting a doctor or audiologist, or joining a support group provides an impactful way of coping with hearing loss issues.