elderly lady having hearing problem

Reading enthusiast Margaret was one of the most active participants in her monthly book club meetings. But lately, she’s cupping her hand around her ear, leaning in closer to others to catch more words or looking around the room for visual cues from others’ reactions. The 78-year-old, who took pride in living vibrantly and self-sufficiently, pretended to follow along in the discussions while wondering, “How do I know if I need a hearing aid?”

Though some older adults might view an assistive device as a sign they’re giving in to the aging process, the reality is quite the opposite. Hearing aids can seamlessly blend into daily life while helping you enhance independence and engage socially and interpersonally. Plus, modern hearing aids are more discreet, user-friendly and technologically advanced than ever.

In Margaret’s case, an audiologist’s visit confirmed moderate hearing loss. With her sleek new hearing aids, she felt more engaged and socially connected than she had in months. At the next book club, she heard every word, laugh and gasp. She went from asking herself, “Do I need a hearing aid?” to “I can’t believe I waited this long to have my hearing checked!”

When Should You Get Hearing Aids?

The first step in determining when to get a hearing aid is recognizing the signs of hearing loss. Seniors struggling with hearing tend to do things like nodding along without fully understanding, appearing confused or becoming quieter in conversations. They might misinterpret what’s being said, respond inappropriately or speak louder than necessary. You may notice them watching lips to read them, frowning in frustration or positioning themselves closer to the speaker. If you have a senior loved one who seems withdrawn and is pulling away from social activities, it can also signal that they are having hearing issues.

Here are five indicators of when to get hearing aids:

  1. Frequently asking people to repeat themselves or finding it hard to follow conversations in noisy environments.
  2. Constantly needing to increase the volume on your TV or radio to hear clearly.
  3. Struggling with phone calls and difficulty hearing conversations.
  4. Avoiding social situations because it’s too hard to keep up with conversations.
  5. Tinnitus, or persistent ringing or buzzing in your ears.

What Level of Hearing Loss Requires a Hearing Aid?

Hearing loss is measured in decibels (dB) and categorized into different levels that can help answer the question, “How do I know if I need hearing aids?”

  • Mild hearing loss (26–40 dB): People with mild hearing loss may hear some speech sounds but have difficulty with soft sounds. They might need a hearing aid if they struggle in noisy environments or frequently ask others to repeat themselves.
  • Moderate hearing loss (41–55 dB): With moderate hearing loss, understanding speech becomes challenging, especially in group settings.
  • Moderately severe hearing loss (56–70 dB): Hearing becomes difficult without assistance at this level.
  • Severe hearing loss (71–90 dB): Seniors with severe hearing loss will struggle to hear even loud speech. Hearing aids, possibly in combination with other assistive listening devices, are necessary.
  • Profound hearing loss (91+ dB): Most sounds are inaudible without powerful hearing aids or other assistive devices.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Hearing Aid?

Hearing aids and assistive devices are now more accessible and affordable. Getting one is straightforward but involves several steps to ensure it meets your needs. Here’s a general timeline:

  • Hearing evaluation: The first step is a comprehensive hearing test by an audiologist or hearing specialist to assess your type and degree of hearing loss.
  • Consultation and selection: After the evaluation, the audiologist will help you choose a hearing aid that fits your lifestyle, preferences and budget. You will be surprised at the variety available!
  • Fitting and adjustment: During this appointment, the audiologist will program the hearing aid to match your specific hearing loss and ensure it fits comfortably.
  • Trial period: Most providers offer a 30-to-60-day trial period for hearing aids, allowing adjustments with your audiologist as needed.
  • Follow-up: After the trial period, a follow-up appointment is usually scheduled to make any final adjustments and address any concerns.

Saying Goodbye to Silence

Today’s hearing aids are far superior to the bulky, conspicuous devices of 20 years ago that were a hassle to use and left users self-conscious. Back then, they had poor sound quality, limited customization, no connectivity, constant feedback and required frequent battery changes.

Modern hearing aids are discreet, often virtually invisible, and use digital technology for superior sound quality, noise reduction and personalized settings. Many are Bluetooth-enabled for direct streaming from smartphones and other devices. They feature directional microphones, feedback cancellation, automatic environmental adjustments and rechargeable batteries. Their customizable designs ensure a comfortable fit for every user.

If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of hearing loss and wondering, “Do I need hearing aids?” consider scheduling an evaluation with an audiologist. The American Academy of Audiology can help you find one. Using a hearing aid or assistive device isn’t a sign of defeat; it’s a chance to fully enjoy the sounds of life while living brightly and aging boldly.