Prof Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty
Dr.Mohanty’s Speciality ENT Clinics
Management of hearing loss in senior citizens | Dr Sanjeev Mohanty
What is hearing loss in old age or elderly population?
Hearing loss or PRESBYCUSIS is a physiological age related process which occurs in all individuals in their old age and like other organs in the body which also undergoes wear & tear with time.
What is the cause of hearing loss in elderly people?
It is due to degeneration of outer hair cells of the cochlea (sensory organ of hearing) or due to neural degeneration.
Can hearing loss be prevented or stopped from progressing?
As with other body parts, once hearing loss sets in , it is generally progressive in nature and cannot be prevented spontaneously
How to assess whether one has started developing hearing loss?
Difficulty in routine conversations.
Increasing the volume of the television or radio than before.
Difficulty in telephonic conversations.
Low social interaction
How can one treat hearing loss?
As soon as you realize that the above signs are positive, consult your ENT surgeon and get your hearing evaluated.
Majority of the people show SENSORI NEURAL loss and require appropriate HEARING AID , after a HAT ( hearing aid trial )
How to decide that when to use hearing aid?
Get routine screening of hearing status and if successive hearing tests show progression of hearing loss then consult your ENT specialist & Audiologist to get proper advice.
Can all hearing loss be treated with hearing aids?
Hearing aids work till the hearing loss is severe but beyond that when hearing loss becomes profound (beyond 90 – 100 db) even hearing aids fail to help.
What is the treatment if hearing aids do not help?
COCHLEAR IMPLANT
Cochlear implant is a device which directly stimulates the neurons of the cochlear nerve and by passes cochlear & is done in patients with BILATERAL PROFOUND HEARING LOSS.
The results of Cochlear implant surgery is very rewarding in elderly ,as the patient already has a very good speech & just requires sound signal in the ear to be connected to the brain.
What can be done to prevent progression of hearing loss once it has started ?
Consult your ENT specialist regularly.
Regular hearing evaluation every 6 months.
Get a hearing aid before it’s too late.
Healthy diet & avoid stress.
Avoid drugs which are toxic to the ears.
Follow the advice of your ENT surgeon
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