Are you or your loved one experiencing hearing complications? According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), nearly half of American adults over 75 have difficulty hearing.
Age-related hearing loss is a common medical issue among seniors. A hearing loss test is essential for older adults as it detects hearing decline early.
This article discusses the importance of hearing loss tests for seniors and the various options available.
Importance of Hearing Loss Tests for Seniors
Regular auditory evaluations for older adults are crucial for maintaining quality of life and overall health. According to the National Council On Aging, untreated hearing loss tends to cause cognitive decline.
Experiencing hearing loss can significantly affect how well you communicate and stay connected with your friends and family. Senior hearing assessments that are done early prevent further hearing loss. They also diagnose any pre-existing hearing complications you may have.
Moreover, hearing loss tests reduce the mental distress that often comes with untreated hearing loss. It can be pretty frustrating when you’re trying to communicate with people you can’t hear properly.
Moving to an assisted living community in Michigan City can significantly help you cope with hearing loss. In this community, you’ll get people to take good care of you and help you adapt to living with hearing complications.
If you suspect you or your loved one may have age-related hearing loss, you should schedule auditory evaluations with an audiologist. During your visit, you can discuss various treatment options depending on the severity of the hearing complication.
Types of Hearing Loss Tests for Seniors
Hearing screening methods assess whether you have difficulty hearing and determine the severity of the condition. Seniors with hearing loss should opt for independent living in Michigan City to get all the required assistance.
Usually, hearing loss tests don’t require any special preparation and are painless. Here are some of the common types of hearing loss tests for seniors:
Pure-Tone Testing
This evaluation method examines the lowest volume of sound you can hear at every frequency. Pure-tone testing involves two major sound conduction modes: bone and air conduction.
In bone conduction, the audiologist uses a bone conductor or vibrator to transmit sound through bones. The procedure for this test is as follows:
- The health professional places a device on your forehead or behind your ear
- This device transmits sound vibrations directly to the inner ear without passing through the middle and outer ear
- The audiologist then records your results on an audiogram
On the other hand, air conduction is where sound is transmitted through earphones. It involves the following steps:
- You sit in a sound-proof room and put on earbuds
- Using an audiometer, the audiologist emits sound signals at different volumes and frequencies
- Each time you hear a sound, you should raise your hand, press a button, or respond with ‘Yes.’
- The audiologist uses an audiogram to record your responses
Tests of the Middle Ear
These tests measure the movement of the middle ear structures and eardrum in response to loud sounds and air pressure. Through the tests of the middle ear, the audiologist can identify issues like dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, infection, pus, or fluid in the middle ear, and narrowing of the ear canal, among others.
There are three types of examination tests for the middle ear, namely:
- Static Acoustic Measures: This determines the air volume in the ear canal.
- Acoustic Reflex Measure: It assesses how the middle ear muscles respond to loud sounds at different frequencies (500-4000Hz).
- Tympanometry: Determines the functioning of the Eustachian tube.
All the above examination methods of the middle ear have a similar procedure. It involves the following steps:
- The audiologist puts a rubber-tipped earbud in your ear canal
- You’re required to remain calm, breathe normally, and refrain from swallowing or speaking during the test
- The audiologist uses a tympanogram to depict the functioning of the middle ear
Speech Testing
This hearing loss test involves listening and repeating various words to discern speech discrimination and check the volume required for you to hear clearly. The procedure of speech testing is as follows:
- You wear earbuds or headphones
- The audiologist will speak out two-syllable words at different levels of loudness.
- You’re expected to repeat the words
- The audiologist records the two-syllable words that you correctly repeat
- You should then repeat one-syllable words that the audiologist utters
- The professional records of words that you repeat correctly (0-100%)
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
This test evaluates sound transmission from the cochlea to the brain stem and inner ear. The Auditory Brainstem Response is efficient for individuals who cannot take standard hearing tests due to developmental limitations or age. It’s a non-invasive and painless hearing screening method that involves the following procedure:
- The audiologist inserts foam-like, spongy earbuds in your ear canals
- They then place electrodes behind your ears or on your forehead
- Your brainwave activity is displayed on a computer
- The audiologist reviews the results to determine your condition
Ways an Independent Living Community in Michigan City Can Assist with Hearing Problems
A retirement community in Michigan City can help with hearing complications and improve your quality of life in various ways. This community provides a quiet environment for seniors with hearing loss. It also encourages social connections with other residents through activities and events.
You don’t need to worry about communicating with your peers with hearing loss while in an assisted living in Michigan City. The community has well-lit spaces that help in lip-reading during conversations.
In the best retirement community in Michigan City, you’re assured of a more meaningful and fulfilling life despite being diagnosed with hearing loss.
Maintaining Hearing Health Among Seniors
A hearing loss test checks the intensity of your hearing complications and helps an audiologist develop the best treatment option. If you have hearing complications, you should take the necessary steps to manage your condition.
At Rittenhouse Village at Michigan City, we offer various senior living options, including independent senior living and assisted living, to cater to the individual needs of our residents. We have experienced staff that improves our residents’ quality of life.
Contact us to schedule a tour of our senior living community.
