Importance of Annual Screening for Hearing Loss in Senior Citizens

Introduction

Hearing connects us to the world and nature. From cuckoo sounds to a baby’s cry, daily we hear different amazing sounds. No matter where we are and what we are doing, our favorite song or movie on TV or theater has a separate place in our hearts. We do not want to miss that memory till our last breath. However, as we age, we might lose the ability to hear. This loss can result from noise, exposure, genetics or other factors. In order to preserve and maintain our hearing, we need to take some necessary steps. Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is becoming increasingly common in India. With Annual screening and testing, we can detect hearing loss early and prevent adverse circumstances in senior citizens.

What is hearing loss, and what is the importance of hearing tests in adults?

Hearing loss is a condition where a person gradually loses their ability to hear and understand speech. It is particularly prevalent in senior citizens and can lead to depression, social isolation, and balance issues. Senior citizens often find it difficult to converse with their family members and can not enjoy their personal life, as it affects not only personal life but also professional life. Therefore, it is crucial for adults to undergo regular hearing tests to identify hearing loss early and improve the chances of treatment to restore hearing. Regular hearing tests are mainly important for adults who work in loud environments or have a family history of hearing loss. Hearing tests can also help to identify hearing conditions, the ability to understand speech, and any underlying medical conditions contributing to hearing loss. By identifying the cause of hearing loss, doctors will provide appropriate treatment and improve hearing. Dr.Shree Rao the best Audiologist in Hyderabad advises senior citizens and elderly to get hearing tested frequently.

What causes hearing loss in senior citizens?

  • Infections
  • Loud noises
  • Accumulation of earwax
  • Trauma or injury to the head
  • Inheritance of recessive genes
  • Certain medications

What is the need for annual screening in adults?

Neglecting hearing screening in adults can cause a greater risk of feeling isolated from family, friends, and society. This feeling of embarrassment can lead to depression. To preserve their natural hearing, they need regular hearing screening. Regular annual screening depends on age, gender, medical history, and lifestyle. In some conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, as well as low immunity, also affect the frequency of screening. Overall, annual screenings are an essential aspect of preventive healthcare, and it helps individuals maintain their hearing health along with identifying potential problems.

best audiologist in Hyderabad. Consult for adult hear screening

How are screening tests performed in adults?

Hearing tests are usually performed by an ENT specialist or an Audiologist on the recommendation of an ENT specialist. Hearing test screening depends on a person’s age, medical condition, and other factors. Usually, most hearing tests are conducted in a closed and silent area. Hearing screening does not involve piercings or cause pain and it can be performed on anyone.

  • A physical examination involves a healthcare provider to examine the patient’s ear for signs of hearing loss or hearing problems. Your ENT specialist will examine your ear with an otoscope and prescribe necessary diagnostic tests.

Your ENT specialist or an audiologist will hit the tuning fork and make it vibrate. The vibration produces a sound and then it is placed near the ear or on the forehead to identify sound travel and hearing loss. Depending on the response, your hearing loss is identified. This test is also called bone conduction.

Imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans use radiation or other technology to create images of the ear’s internal structures to identify deformations and infections.

This is the most common type of hearing test. Your ears are tested by placing headphones, and distinct sounds with different frequencies are played. Sounds you hear are noted down, and a result is generated on an audiogram.

This test measures how well a person can hear and understand speech.

 This test measures the eardrum’s movement in response to changes in air pressure. It is performed by inserting a soft earplug into one ear, and the soft plug at the end will create an air-tight seal. The probe will create a pressure difference in the ear and emit sound.

This test measures sounds produced by the inner ear in response to sounds that enter the ear. A small probe is placed in the ear canal to measure these sounds.

What happens after a hearing loss screening test?

After a hearing test, your doctor will evaluate the hearing condition and determine the hearing loss in addition to the severity of the hearing loss. Necessary medication and treatment options are discussed to restore your hearing condition. Treatment options include surgery, cochlear implants, and hearing aids. Regular monitoring and follow-up will keep hearing loss within limits and help to track your hearing condition. Consult the best audiologist in hyderabad and get your hearing tested.

What are the Benefits of Hearing screening?

Hearing screening in senior citizens is a preventive measure to detect hearing loss and improve their quality of life.

  • Early detection of hearing loss will help maintain quality of life and happiness. It also avoids social isolation, depression, and other communication problems.
  • Annual screening can help to identify hearing loss conditions and avoid severity. With necessary precautions, we can also prevent further damage.
  • Annual screening can prevent complex surgeries and the severity of a hearing loss. It also cuts the surgery cost and can manage your hearing with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Act early, prevent your hearing loss, and preserve your happiness.
  • With early detection, we can improve communication by receiving treatments like hearing aids, cochlear implants, or assistive learning devices. 
  • Annual screening for hearing loss in senior citizens will help them in emergencies, traveling, and warning signals.

Conclusion

Senior citizens, as they grow older, might develop hearing loss. Different hearing tests diagnose and identify the cause of hearing loss. By identifying the cause of hearing loss, seniors can receive timely treatment. Annual Screening helps to preserve natural hearing or improve their hearing condition. Annual screening can also help prevent further damage caused by loud noise exposure and reduce healthcare costs associated with advanced hearing loss. Therefore, seniors need to prioritize Annual screenings for hearing loss as a part of their preventive healthcare routine. At last, it’s better to take your elders to an ENT specialist once a year and be a part of their adulthood life. Get your hearing tested from the best Audiologist in Hyderabad and preserve your natural hearing.

Why consult EarSurgeon, Dr. Shree Rao?

Dr. Shree Cuddapah Rao is acclaimed as one of the best Audiologist in Hyderabad and Pediatric ENT Specialist With 10+ years of deep domain experience in the field of ENT. She is the director at Dr. Rao’s ENT Super Specialty Hospital. She underwent specialized training in Rhinoplasty / Facial Plastic surgery at Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. She also underwent advanced training in cochlear implant surgery under Padmashri Dr. Milind V Kirtane and had a Fellowship in a cochlear implant. Having performed over 200 successful cochlear implants for patients worldwide, Dr. Shree Cuddapah Rao is also the recipient of several prestigious accolades in the domain of ENT. Dr. Shree Rao is one of the best ent doctor in hyderabad, to book an appointment click here.

About Dr. Shree C Rao

MBBS, MS (ENT)

best ent doctor in hyderabad hyderabad kukatpally KPHB

Dr. Shree Cuddapah Rao, an ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) surgeon, is a superspecialist microsurgeon in Otology and Cochlear implant surgeries. With 10+ years of deep domain experience in medical and surgical ENT, she is quite fittingly, the Head of the Cochlear Implant team at Dr. Rao’s ENT

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