“But my hearing is normal for my age, right?” This is a common question for audiologists! However, we don’t classify hearing test results based on age. There is a range (like most things in health) for what is considered normal based on what information we need to understand a typical conversation. So, if you are diagnosed with a hearing loss, it wouldn’t be considered normal. Yes, hearing loss is more common with age, but that doesn’t make it “normal”. In fact, any amount of hearing loss can complicate communication and reduce quality of life, regardless of age.
We aren’t exactly sure why our hearing changes as we age but the challenges associated with hearing loss are nearly identical regardless of how many candles you have on your birthday cake. This means that someone in their 20s with hearing loss will have similar difficulties as someone in their 70s (depending on the type and degree of hearing loss, of course).
If you’re celebrating another birthday and noticing some of the common symptoms of hearing loss, it’s worth getting a hearing check. Just because something occurs more commonly with age, does not mean it should be ignored. Adding an annual hearing check to your health physical is an easy way to keep track of your hearing.
If you have any questions about how your ears hear as you age, talk to your audiologist. No better time than the present!
Article contributed on Tuesday 12 Nov 2019 by
Elise Gregoire, Doctor of Audiology
