By Theresa H. Bartlett, AuD

About 20 percent of adults in the United States, approximately 48 million, report some degree of hearing loss. Stated differently, at age 65, one out of three people has hearing loss. Of those with hearing loss, 60 percent are either in the work force or in educational settings. These statistics show that hearing loss is a major public health issue and that it is the third most common physical condition after arthritis and heart disease.

What is the one disability that people are most angry about? The person with the disability is not necessarily angry, but the person attempting to communicate with them is angry. This disability is hearing loss. When we see someone in a wheelchair, or using a walker or a cane, we will go out of our way to help them. When someone does not hear us, we generally feel they are not listening to us or do not care about what we are saying. Instead of repeating our statement in a manner that could be easily understood, we sigh heavily and yell the statement with a definite agitated tone.

Hearing loss affects us on so many levels. As Helen Keller states, “Blindness separates people from things; deafness separates people from people.” Without hearing, people will tend to socially isolate themselves from situations involving other people. Most will say they do not wish to be a part of a situation in which they cannot engage in a conversation. Those who suffer hearing loss are frustrated, and equally aware of the frustration of those they’re trying to converse with. Research has indicated recently that this social isolation can lead to the onset of dementia. Hearing loss can cause social isolation and therefore can indirectly lead to dementia.

Unfortunately most physicians are not aware of the impact hearing loss can have on someone’s life. It is the third most common physical condition and yet most physicians do not refer their patients out for hearing evaluations. It is most unfortunate, but hearing loss is often not even addressed in routine examinations. It is important for a hearing baseline to be obtained by age 65. From there, routine hearing examinations should be obtained when changes in auditory function occur. Medicare does not cover annual audiometric examinations, but they will cover hearing tests when there is concern about changes in auditory acuity.

Believe it or not, hearing loss can be treated. Hearing technology in today’s world is so much different than it was even twenty years ago. The digitization of sound has significantly improved the way people hear and interact in varying environments. Nowadays it is not just about hearing aids, there are a wide selection of products to improve people’s means of communication.

The first step is realizing the importance of hearing and recognizing that patients are suffering as a result of hearing loss. Make the effort to start referring your patients to an Audiologist for a hearing evaluation.

Theresa H. Bartlett, AuD, is a Doctorate Level Audiologist who currently owns and operates a small, private, Audiology practice in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Bartlett specializes in Lyric hearing products and will soon be a Golden Circle Audiologist for Sensaphonics hearing conservation products. www.virginiahearing.com