Many seniors in Australia wonder, “Will my hearing deteriorate over time?“
Experienced audiologists Cris Ivanidis and Amanda Nguyen at Active Audiology explain the natural progression of hearing loss, as well as the impact of hearing loss on cognitive decline
The natural progression of hearing with age
As we journey through the golden years, hearing changes become a common part of the experience.
“Ageing brings shifts in hearing,“ explains Amanda Nguyen, an audiologist at Active Audiology.
“Seniors frequently observe a decline in their hearing acuity, a normal part of ageing.“
Cris Ivanidis, another seasoned audiologist at Active Audiology, adds perspective: “Age-related hearing changes can result from diverse factors—genetics, lifelong noise exposure, and various health conditions. These variables collectively influence how one’s hearing evolves with time.“
The impact of hearing loss on cognitive decline
Recent research makes a significant connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Studies suggest that unaddressed hearing loss can elevate the risk of memory issues and conditions like dementia.
“Clients with progressive hearing loss sometimes report not only diminished hearing but also compromised memory and cognitive function,“ Amanda Nguyen emphasises.
“It underscores the urgency of addressing hearing issues proactively.“
Reflecting on his experiences with patients, Cris Ivanidis shares, “I’ve encountered patients initially hesitant about addressing their hearing loss. Yet, once they embraced hearing aids, they noticed improvements not only in their hearing but also in mental acuity. This underscores the pivotal role hearing health plays in maintaining cognitive well-being in our senior years.“
So ‘will my hearing get worse as I get older?’ — the answer, in general, is affirmative; hearing often undergoes a decline with age. However, the rate and extent of this decline can vary markedly from person to person.
“Age related hearing loss,“ Amanda Nguyen reminds us, “is part of the ageing process, but it’s vital to recognise that everyone’s hearing journey is distinct.”
Cris Ivanidis echoes this sentiment saying “The good news is that many seniors can effectively manage age-related hearing changes with appropriate solutions, such as hearing aids. Regular hearing checkups are pivotal to staying connected and engaged in our senior years.“
In conclusion, while age-related hearing loss is a common aspect of growing older, it doesn’t have to be a hindrance to enjoying life to the fullest. The key is proactive hearing health management. Schedule regular checkups to explore suitable solutions tailored to your individual needs. With early intervention, you can continue to hear all the sounds that matter to you, all while potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
For more info about Active Audiology or to make an appointment, visit www.activeaudiology.com.au or call 9398 3331
Cris Ivanidis also speaks on the podcast Hearing What Matters, available on Apple and Spotify Podcast
