Age-Related Hearing Loss Treatment
Age-related hearing loss can feel alienating and stigmatizing, but the truth is, it is extremely common. In fact, 50% of Americans older than 75 have disabling hearing loss. The good news is, there is help for those who need hearing assistance!
If you suspect you or a loved one has age-related hearing loss, your next step is to make an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test.
What is an Audiologist?
An audiologist, sometimes known as a clinical doctor of audiology, is someone who has received a Doctorate in Audiology and is trained to diagnose, manage and treat hearing problems.
The audiologist will be able to advise on the most helpful medical treatment and/or hearing assistance device for treating age-related hearing loss.
Hearing Assistance Devices & Technology
A plethora of hearing devices and help is available for those in need. Several new technologies have been introduced in the last decade and more are on the horizon. Available hearing assistance devices that can help with hearing loss due to aging include:
- Hearing aids (including those with rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth capabilities)
- Amplified telephones
- Caption telephones
- Signaling devices for the phone and doorbell
- Personal listening devices
- TV listening devices
Your loved one may be in denial about experiencing age-related hearing loss or resistant to using one or more of these devices. It’s important to be empathetic – hearing loss is hard! An audiologist can help determine which devices work best for your loved one and even provide demo devices to use on a trial basis.
More Hearing Assistance Resources for Seniors
Wisconsin residents with hearing loss may qualify for a Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP) voucher to purchase telephone-related assistive equipment.
HEAR WI is a nonprofit that helps people with hearing loss by providing high-quality hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, and adaptive technology. They offer many products that qualify for the TEPP program.
Learn More About Luther Manor
With locations in Wauwatosa and Mequon, Luther Manor offers individualized care designed to help your loved one live confidently and as independently as possible. Explore our website for more information, or view our testimonials to see what other people are saying.
