It is estimated that as many as 36 million American seniors suffer from some form of hearing loss – it is one of the most common conditions affecting seniors today. As you age, your hearing loss becomes more pronounced. Age-related hearing loss is much more prevalent in men than in women so it’s reasonable to expect it to happen if you’re a male and the best thing to do is to deal with the loss at the first noticeable symptoms. Being proactive about your hearing and quickly acting on the symptoms is the best way to cope with an unexpected loss of hearing.

Many times you will not recall a specific incident that causes your hearing loss because it happens gradually and is caused by many additive life events, such as general work noise, aging, disease, heredity, or medication. Often the only way you notice there’s something wrong is when you realize you’re having trouble communicating with a spouse or friend, Or you find you are turning the volume up louder than before when listening to music or TV.

Hearing loss can affect your life in many more ways than just a friendly conversation or your favorite show. Having a hearing loss affects every moment of your life and can stop even the most active from using the phone or understanding what the doctor is saying during a physical exam. Hearing limitations can make some seniors feel embarrassed, upset, or even alone.

One of the most useful ways to overcome the issues associated with hearing loss is by speaking to your doctor early so you can be prepared and understand what is happening and why. Your doctor may consult with an audiologist to assess the extent of the loss. Often, a thorough explanation by a physician and some reasonable methods to overcome the situation is all that’s needed to help you stay active, accept the situation and live a more confident, independent life.