Typically, when humans get older, their ability to hear and speak will reduce and this in turn will lead to social isolation, depression, and cognitive impairment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hearing loss affects around 10% of India’s population, with the prevalence rising to 50% among those over the age of 60. If left untreated, hearing loss can diminish the quality of life. But, with the right hearing aid, seniors can regain confidence, reconnect with loved ones, and live life to the fullest. As many types of hearing aids are available, choosing the best one might be challenging. Hence, in this blog, we have shared our valuable insights into choosing the best hearing aid for senior citizens in India.
Understanding Age-related Hearing Loss in Senior Citizens
Age-related hearing loss also known as presbycusis is a natural aging process in which humans’ capacity to hear high-pitched noises and understand conversations reduces over time. This disorder is primarily caused by problems in the inner ear, decreased blood flow, long-term exposure to loud noises, certain medical illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and some drugs. If left untreated, the condition of hearing loss will worsen and it will make it difficult for senior citizens to engage in regular conversations. Also, untreated age-related hearing loss will increase feelings of isolation and affect overall mental and emotional well-being. So, it is important to identify the symptoms of hearing loss earlier and obtain assistance. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve communication and quality of life.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Senior Citizens
Usually, the hearing loss symptoms in adults will vary based on the severity and underlying cause of the problem. These are some common symptoms that senior citizens show when they suffer from hearing:
- Struggle to understand the conversation, especially in a noisy environment
- Find it hard to hear high-pitched sounds like “s”, “f”, and “th” or consonants
- Turn up the volume on the TV, radio, or phone
- Avoid social interactions and group gatherings due to frustration
- Experience tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears)
- Feel physically and mentally exhausted from straining to hear
Effective Treatment for Age-related Hearing Loss
There are several ways to manage hearing loss in senior citizens. Here are some common options:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants (for severe hearing loss)
- Assistive listening devices (amplified phones, TVs, FM systems)
- Communication strategies and therapy (speech, language, lip-reading)
Types of Hearing Aids Suitable for Senior Citizens
The hearing aid is a small electronic device that improves hearing and communication by amplifying sound, reducing background noise, and enhancing speech clarity. The device primarily consists of a microphone to pick up sound, an amplifier to increase sound, a receiver to transmit sound to the ear, and a battery to power up the device. It is available in various styles, sizes, and technologies to suit different hearing needs and preferences.
Analog and digital are two variants of hearing aids. Analog hearing aids are simple, affordable, and suitable for mild hearing loss whereas digital hearing aids come with advanced features and better sound quality for various types of hearing loss.
These are some popular types of hearing aids that will be suitable for adults
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids: Suitable for severe to profound hearing loss, easy to handle and maintain, and affordable
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids: Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss, discreet design, comfortable and easy to use
- Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids: Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss, nearly invisible, and custom-fit for comfort
- Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids: Suitable for mild hearing loss, smallest and most discreet option, and custom-fit for comfort
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hearing Aid
To effectively treat hearing loss in senior citizens, hearing aid is one of the best options. But to select the right hearing aid, the following factors need to be considered.
Type and Severity of Hearing Loss
Mild hearing loss requires entry-level hearing aids for occasional support. Moderate hearing loss necessitates mid-range hearing aids for daily use. Severe hearing loss demands advanced hearing aids with powerful amplification. In cases of profound hearing loss, cochlear implants or specialized hearing aids are the best.
Additional Features
To enhance the hearing experience, users can choose hearing aids with advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction, directional microphones, or water resistance based on their needs.
The other important factors that need to be taken into consideration during hearing selection are
- Lifestyle and hearing activities
- Budget and Affordability
- Size and Discreetness
- Battery Life and Maintenance
Top Hearing Aid Brands for Senior Citizens in India
Some senior citizens constantly worry about finding the right hearing aid. Therefore, to help them out, here, we have listed the top 5 hearing aids for senior citizens in India that are recommended by hearing care professionals:
Signia Pure Charge & Go AX
Signia Pure Charge&Go AX is noted for its revolutionary technology and easy rechargeability. It offers superb sound quality, speech recognition, and networking choices. Its slim design and comfy fit make it ideal for elders.
Phonak Audeo Lumity
Phonal Audeo Lumity is a top choice for its great sound quality, Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and customizable options. Moreover, it is versatile and comes in various models to suit mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss.
Oticon Opn S
The open sound experience of Oticon Opn S is notable for giving users a natural and distinct sense of ambient noise. It provides sophisticated noise reduction, networking options, and outstanding speech understanding. Its user-friendly interface and rechargeable option increase its attractiveness.
Starkey Livio Edge AI
A state-of-the-art hearing aid that blends cutting-edge technology with artificial intelligence features is the Starkey Livio Edge AI. It provides outstanding sound quality, noise reduction, speech enhancement, and customizable sound settings. It also has extra features like fall detection and health monitoring.
Widex Evoke
Widex Evoke is well-known for its natural sound reproduction and customized listening experience. It adjusts to distinct listening settings and guarantees clear hearing in a range of circumstances. Additionally, it has wireless connectivity and an easy-to-use app for customization and control.
Conclusion
A senior citizen’s quality of life can be greatly enhanced by selecting the appropriate hearing aid. But when purchasing the hearing aid, consider factors such as hearing loss type, lifestyle, budget, and additional features. If it is challenging for you to identify the right hearing aid, reach out to Asha Speech and Hearing Clinic. The experienced audiologist from our team will help you find an appropriate hearing aid and rediscover the joy of clear communication.