Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. One in three people older than 60 and half of those older than 85 have hearing loss. Hearing problems can make it hard to understand and follow a doctor’s advice, to respond to warnings, and to hear doorbells and alarms. They can also make it hard to enjoy talking with friends and family. All of this can be frustrating, embarrassing, and even dangerous.

Hearing problems are serious. The most important thing you can do if you think you have a hearing problem is to go see a doctor. Your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist (oh-toe-lair-in-GAH-luh-jist), a doctor who specializes in the ear, nose, and throat. An otolaryngologist will try to find out why you have a hearing loss and offer treatment options. He or she may also refer you to another hearing professional, an audiologist (aw-dee-AH-luh-jist). An audiologist can measure your hearing. Sometimes otolaryngologists and audiologists work together to find the treatment that is right for you. If you need a hearing aid, an audiologist can help you find the right one. Although children must be seen by a physician before they can be fitted for a hearing aid, adults do not always see a physician. Adults who do not see a physician before getting a hearing aid must sign a waiver.

Hearing loss happens for many reasons. Some people lose their hearing slowly as they age. This condition is known as presbycusis (prez-buh-KYOO-sis). Doctors do not know why presbycusis happens, but it seems to run in families. Another reason for hearing loss may be exposure to too much loud noise. This condition is known as noise-induced hearing loss. Many construction workers, farmers, musicians, airport workers, tree cutters, and people in the armed forces have hearing problems because of too much exposure to loud noise. Sometimes loud noise can cause a ringing, hissing, or roaring sound in the ears, called tinnitus (tin-NY-tus).

Did you know that only one out of five people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one? If you think you might have hearing loss, visit your doctor. He or she may refer you to an otolaryngologist or audiologist to determine the cause, type, and extent of your hearing problem and whether hearing aids will help you.

Hearing aids are electronic devices that fit inside or behind the ear and help amplify sounds. Hearing aids are helpful, but they do not restore normal hearing or eliminate background noise. Whether you choose analog over digital, or adjustable over programmable, you and your audiologist can determine if a hearing aid is the right device for your type of hearing loss. Adjusting to a hearing aid is a gradual process; it involves learning to listen in a variety of environments and becoming accustomed to hearing different sounds.

Your own voice may sound too loud. Your audiologist may or may not be able to correct this problem. Most people get used to it over time.

You may hear a whistling sound or feedback. This is caused by the fit of the hearing aid or by earwax or fluid buildup. See your audiologist.