50+ Lifestyles

The Impact of Hearing Loss

By Ali Hunt
Parker Audiology Intern

Research suggests that people wait over 10 years after the diagnosis of a hearing loss to be fit with hearing aids (Davis, Smith, Ferguson, Stephens, & Gianopoulous, 2007). For some individuals, the delay in treatment is due to a stigma associated with hearing loss.  These people may be concerned that hearing aids make them look old or disabled, and they may fear others will treat them differently.  However, untreated hearing loss can lead to communication break downs, depression, and social isolation. I would like to share one patient’s journey to better hearing.

An elderly woman was seen by an audiologist for a hearing evaluation. She reported that she suspects her hearing had been gradually declining for a number of years, but never wanted to wear hearing aids because she did not want to feel “old.” She said she was able to hear the television when she turned the volume up and did not have much trouble hearing her daughter, as her daughter knew to speak loudly.  The audiologist asked her, “If you have been getting by without hearing aids, what brings you in to see me today?” The woman replied, “I have finally realized the impact hearing loss has on quality of life.”

This patient’s husband of many years had recently passed away.  At the funeral, a letter the husband had secretly written to his wife was read aloud, which thanked her for the life and memories they shared together. Unfortunately, she could not hear well at the funeral. Later that day, family members commented on how much the husband loved her by creating this tribute to his wife to be shared at his funeral. The woman was shocked to learn what exactly she missed out on at her husband’s funeral because she could not hear.  Determined not to miss out on any more family interactions and important moments, she decided that she was ready to treat her hearing loss and pursue hearing devices.

If you or a loved one experience difficulty hearing, please call Parker Audiology at (563) 326-5441 to schedule an appointment for a complementary hearing evaluation.

Bring a child in your life to explore science and “The Ear Experience” at Bettendorf Middle School on February 6th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also see us at the Women’s Health Fair on February 20th!
Sources: Davis, A., Smith, P., Ferguson, M., Stephens, D., & Gianopoulos, I. (2007). Acceptability, benefit and costs of early screening for hearing disability: A study of potential screening tests and models. Health Technology Assessment, 11, 1–294.

Ali Hunt is an audiology intern at Parker Audiology. She will graduate with a doctorate in audiology from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in May, 2016.

By Dr. Molly Parker
Audiologist and Owner
Parker Audiology, P.C.

Dr. Alison Soto
Audiologist
Parker Audiology, P.C.