It is a staggering statistic. It is hard to imagine that it is true. But, it is true. One in three people over the age of 60 have some hearing loss! Hearing loss can sneak up on you. It is usually gradual.
Age related hearing loss is called Presbycusis. That is a big and unusual word. It is from Greek. “Presbys” means elder. “Acusis” means hearing. So it means hearing loss that affects older people.
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The typical type of hearing loss that affects the seniors in the US is called sensori-neural hearing loss. It is permanent. There is no medical treatment for sensori-neural hearing loss. There is no surgery unless you are so deaf you need a cochlear implant. But, the typical sensori-neural hearing loss can only be treated with hearing aids.
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I have suggested that every person have a baseline hearing test by age 50. There are so many other medical procedures done at age 50, it is easy to add a baseline hearing test at this age marker. But, hearing needs to be re-tested periodically. The doctor doesn’t just take your temperature once and declare that you are healthy. Neither does the doctor just check your cholesterol level one time. It is my experience that every year blood work is done to monitor sugar level, cholesterol levels, along with a myriad of other factors.
Most insurance companies will pay for a hearing test. Medicare will pay for hearing tests. Medicare does not pay for hearing aids though. It is a good idea to periodically monitor your hearing.
I had a hearing test in 2008 and again in 2013. There was a slight change, but not enough to warrant the use of hearing aids. I have been fortunate. I have not had any major illnesses or surgeries. However, I have friends and family members who had illnesses and the illnesses have affected their hearing ability. I make sure they have monitoring hearing tests.
Even if you are not 60 years old, you probably have friends and family who are over 60 years old. Encourage them to have their primary care physician refer them for a hearing test.
