Hearing Research Breakthrough

December, 2008

Discoveries at UCLA about crystals in the ear >>More

Aging and Our Senses: Hearing

Rhea Becker

The Boomer Chronicles

Although all of our senses can be affected by aging, hearing is one of our most vulnerable.

Studies say that people in the baby boomer demographic will suffer from a significantly higher degree of hearing loss than their parents. Particularly if you’ve been listening to a lot of loud music or working in a noisy environment. So cut it out. >>More

The Day The Music Died

Stephanie Rosenbloom

New York Times

These days, if his left ear happens to be covered by a pillow, Mr. Bellusci, 47, hears the alarm clock as a faint tick, tick, tick, not a blaring BEEP, BEEP, BEEP. In cacophonous restaurants, he watches people’s mouths so he can follow the conversation.

Years of high decibel noise and trauma from speaker feedback damaged his right ear. Mr. Bellusci, who plays ukulele, recorder, guitar and bass in an acoustic duo, now says, “If I could do it over again ...”

How many boomers are thinking the same thing. >>More

Older People Pretend to Hear

Senior Hearing Loss (Deafness)

By age 85, more than half of us will have some hearing loss. People with hearing loss find it difficult to talk with friends and family because they have difficulty understanding what others say. They also have trouble hearing doorbells and alarms.

The greatest affects of hearing loss in seniors are depression and withdrawal. The frustration over communication can lead to discouragement and embarrassment.

The National Institute on Deafness has an excellent overview including videos. This site is very easy to use. >>More

the greatest loss will be in later years. In her document, "Sensory Changes in Later Life," Vicki Schmall says, "Misunderstood conversations can lead to suspiciousness, paranoia, disagreements, and alienation from family and friends. Older people who try to cope by responding to what they think is said may be viewed as cognitively impaired, rather than hearing impaired."

Sensory Change and Loss is Difficult

Loss of hearing or vision is a true loss and those who experience it will have a variety of reactions including grief. In her document, "Sensory Changes in Later Life," Vicki Schmall says, "Misunderstood conversations can lead to suspiciousness, paranoia, disagreements, and alienation from family and friends. Older people who try to cope by responding to what they think is said may be viewed as cognitively impaired, rather than hearing impaired." Her helpful document can be downloaded here. >>Download

A Self-Quiz for Hearing

The Better Hearing Organization offers a self-quiz for hearing loss. Take the test and answer honestly so you will know! It is absolutely confidential. >>More

Ringing in the Ear (Tinnitus)

Ringing in the ear, or Tinnitus, is described as a "bedevilment" Many older adults have it and Tinnitus presents itself in several different ways; loudly, softly, and sometimes. The American Tinnitus Association has a helpful overview. >>More

Coping With Hearing Loss

If you have hearing loss, you may need help coping with this change. Hear-it Organization has some articles worth reading. >>More