No one, however, should simply accept hearing impairment of any degree as a normal part of aging. Hearing impairment can be caused by something as easy to remedy as a buildup of wax within the ear. The myth that hearing loss inevitably accompanies aging often results in a failure to seek professional help, which can lead to impaired communication, isolation, and even death if the hearing loss is caused by an underlying medical problem such as a tumor. Untreated hearing loss can strain relationships and limit activities. And because its behavioral manifestations often mimic those of Alzheimer's disease, hearing loss in older people may be mistakenly diagnosed as dementia.
Age is the most significant factor associated with hearing loss.
The elderly are seven times more likely to be hearing-impaired than people under age 45. More than half of all adults with hearing loss severe enough to make communication problematic are at least 65 years old. In fact, an estimated 60 percent of Americans over 65 have some degree of hearing impairment. Cost is one obstacle to hearing aid use. There are more than 1,200 different types of hearing aids on the market today.