Is there an age limit for getting hearing aids for the first time? Is earlier better than later?
AARP published an article in February 2011 stating that hearing loss is linked to dementia. The study was conducted by Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging. The study followed over six hundred people for two decades. The subjects were given a battery of tests every two years. Their hearing was tested and they were given tests to measure their memory, logical and language skills.
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The subjects ranged in age from 36 to 90 years old. None of the subjects had dementia at the beginning of the study, but some had hearing loss from the start of the study.
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It was interesting to read that when people began to have difficulty hearing and understanding in a noisy place such as a restaurant, their risk of developing dementia rose significantly. The article stated that those with hearing loss at the beginning of the study were more likely to develop dementia.
So, if I have trouble hearing and understanding in a noisy place, will I develop dementia? It seems that if you have hearing loss also, the risk factors increase. What can be done?
The researchers reported that many physicians focus on heart disease and high blood pressure more than hearing loss. Not focusing on hearing loss can have consequences for the patient. As an audiologist, I have encouraged internists and family physicians to refer their patients for a hearing test by age 50. A baseline hearing test begins the process of monitoring hearing loss.
Many people “assume” hearing loss is just a normal part of aging. However, hearing loss can begin at any age. In fact over 7% of teenagers today have some hearing loss from the use of iPods and MP3 Players. Sensori-neural (permanent) hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids.
There is no age limit on beginning to wear hearing aids. According to the study, it seems the sooner the better. Being able to hear and follow a conversation in noisy situation can be a blessing. Hearing aids come in all price ranges. Some insurance companies have hearing aid benefits. Don’t “assume” that you have the facts. Make an appointment with an audiologist for a complete hearing test and find out the status of your hearing.
