Age related problems with hearing
Discussion
I have problems understanding what people are saying to me. In a pub or other location where there's background noise, even if not very loud, I'm deaf as far as conversation is concerned. It is, I'm told by a doctor, age related. Or in other words, clear off.
Over recent years I've got quite effective at lip reading, especially if I know the person's idioms quite well. As long as they face me I'm not deaf.
One major problem has been going to the cinema. The loudness, rather counter-intuitively, mean I lose what is being said. It ruins most films where the dialogue is important (which is almost all films that I used to enjoy).
Talking of counter-intuitive, a friend with the same problem said that he uses ear plugs in cinemas and this means he hears what people say quite clearly. So feeling a bit on the stupid side, and hoping no one will see, I used ear plugs when I went to see Rogue One. It worked, and to a degree that was remarkable. It was as if my ears were 20 years younger.
It works in a pub, or at least my rugby club bar, as well. If anyone notices I tell them, truthfully, that they are hearing aids.
I know loss of hearing has many causes - some of mine is due to my time in a firearms unit - but if you have problems in pubs (not related to being able to stand at the end of the evening) then I suggest you give it a try.
Unable to understand conversation is very isolating. I find myself either not saying anything or speaking too much.
Not a complete cure of course, but for me a massive improvement.
Over recent years I've got quite effective at lip reading, especially if I know the person's idioms quite well. As long as they face me I'm not deaf.
One major problem has been going to the cinema. The loudness, rather counter-intuitively, mean I lose what is being said. It ruins most films where the dialogue is important (which is almost all films that I used to enjoy).
Talking of counter-intuitive, a friend with the same problem said that he uses ear plugs in cinemas and this means he hears what people say quite clearly. So feeling a bit on the stupid side, and hoping no one will see, I used ear plugs when I went to see Rogue One. It worked, and to a degree that was remarkable. It was as if my ears were 20 years younger.
It works in a pub, or at least my rugby club bar, as well. If anyone notices I tell them, truthfully, that they are hearing aids.
I know loss of hearing has many causes - some of mine is due to my time in a firearms unit - but if you have problems in pubs (not related to being able to stand at the end of the evening) then I suggest you give it a try.
Unable to understand conversation is very isolating. I find myself either not saying anything or speaking too much.
Not a complete cure of course, but for me a massive improvement.
Your GP should be able to refer you to the audiology dept. in your local hospital. Failing that, there are NHS 'walk-in' adult hearing services in many areas.
It's well known that hearing loss causes social isolation, with all the problems that causes — so I'm a bit surprised at your doctor's apparent dismissal of your hearing problems.
It's well known that hearing loss causes social isolation, with all the problems that causes — so I'm a bit surprised at your doctor's apparent dismissal of your hearing problems.
I paid for a private audiologist. He was reassuring to an extent and gave me advice on how to cope. However, the bit above was not part of it. I would appear that there is no treatment. It will gradually get worse.
I'd have problems with hearing aids as I have an arthritic jaw, brought on by an injury years ago. Stick anything in my ear for any length of time or regularly and the pain is excruciating. The same goes with any pressure on the ear. Earphones are really uncomfortable.
I tried a hearing aid but all it did was make things louder but little clearer. I'll eventually have to give in and go for an external one but I'll put that off as long as possible.
I'd have problems with hearing aids as I have an arthritic jaw, brought on by an injury years ago. Stick anything in my ear for any length of time or regularly and the pain is excruciating. The same goes with any pressure on the ear. Earphones are really uncomfortable.
I tried a hearing aid but all it did was make things louder but little clearer. I'll eventually have to give in and go for an external one but I'll put that off as long as possible.
Hi Derek
Know exactly what you are suffering, I'm 63 and having spent a lot of time in pubs with loud bands and also driving a Caterham without sidescreens I struggle too.
Don't go down the hearing aid route, the MIL & SIL both have and they both went "stone deaf" very quickly.
Interesting idea the ear plugs - dampen the background noise but not the conversation. Will try that.
Incidentally I use Sony wireless headphones (other wireless headphones are available) a lot watching TV, I can then adjust the volume to my ears and the conversation is definitely clearer whilst the rest of the family can listen at their own volume. TBH I use them most of the time, it's just clearer.
Know exactly what you are suffering, I'm 63 and having spent a lot of time in pubs with loud bands and also driving a Caterham without sidescreens I struggle too.
Don't go down the hearing aid route, the MIL & SIL both have and they both went "stone deaf" very quickly.
Interesting idea the ear plugs - dampen the background noise but not the conversation. Will try that.
Incidentally I use Sony wireless headphones (other wireless headphones are available) a lot watching TV, I can then adjust the volume to my ears and the conversation is definitely clearer whilst the rest of the family can listen at their own volume. TBH I use them most of the time, it's just clearer.
It's not a volume thing with me most of the time, it's the lack of higher frequencies which drops off. Sibilants are missing so I don't know if the word is suck or f
k (either will do!)
I use the Valsalva manoeuvre (pinch the nose and pressurise the Eustachian tubes by 'blowing') and this temporarily alleviates the problem. TV subtitles are a real boon of course - if they are in synch.
k (either will do!)I use the Valsalva manoeuvre (pinch the nose and pressurise the Eustachian tubes by 'blowing') and this temporarily alleviates the problem. TV subtitles are a real boon of course - if they are in synch.
I've been noticing this for a while. Struggled to hear the wife when the shower was running or there was any other background noise, couldn't really keep up with conversations in busy pubs etc...
I ended up going to the docs at the end of last year and having a hearing test over xmas.
The result of that was that apparently I have the hearing of a 16 year old (I'm 40). However the audiologist told me that loss of ability to decode speech (I can't for the life of me remember the exact term she used) was just something that happened as we got older and that there wasn't anything could be done and no method to test for it.
I guess this is why we tend to shun busy city bars in favour of nice quiet pubs as we get older
I ended up going to the docs at the end of last year and having a hearing test over xmas.
The result of that was that apparently I have the hearing of a 16 year old (I'm 40). However the audiologist told me that loss of ability to decode speech (I can't for the life of me remember the exact term she used) was just something that happened as we got older and that there wasn't anything could be done and no method to test for it.
I guess this is why we tend to shun busy city bars in favour of nice quiet pubs as we get older
SlidingSideways said:
I've been noticing this for a while. Struggled to hear the wife when the shower was running or there was any other background noise, couldn't really keep up with conversations in busy pubs etc...
I ended up going to the docs at the end of last year and having a hearing test over xmas.
The result of that was that apparently I have the hearing of a 16 year old (I'm 40). However the audiologist told me that loss of ability to decode speech (I can't for the life of me remember the exact term she used) was just something that happened as we got older and that there wasn't anything could be done and no method to test for it.
I guess this is why we tend to shun busy city bars in favour of nice quiet pubs as we get older
http://www.sonova.com/en/features/hearing-gets-mor...I ended up going to the docs at the end of last year and having a hearing test over xmas.
The result of that was that apparently I have the hearing of a 16 year old (I'm 40). However the audiologist told me that loss of ability to decode speech (I can't for the life of me remember the exact term she used) was just something that happened as we got older and that there wasn't anything could be done and no method to test for it.
I guess this is why we tend to shun busy city bars in favour of nice quiet pubs as we get older
Yes , know exactly what you are experiencing , I am suffering from age related hearing loss .
Difficulty in understanding conversation in noisy environments , pubs restaurants etc , I would be lucky to get 25% of what was being said . missing the opening few words when I was being addressed directly , I would have to concentrate hard to get what was being said and as you said lip-reading . It was more annoying for my family that me , as every thing said to me had to be repeated .
I was finally dragged kicking and screaming into Boots Hearing dept ( others are available )
I discovered that I was suffering serious loss of hearing of higher frequencies , partly age problem . but also due to listening to loud music on headphones when I was younger .
I was lent a set of hearing aids set to enhance these higher frequencies , and it was a revelation .
Then came the hard sell . so £3k later I have the Rolls Royce of aids , these auto adapt to the noise environment and can tailor the output to suit , be it in an open car , pub. windy ,cinema and so on , one trick is via blue tooth to cross link the aids in particularly noisy situations so as to send the same sounds to both aids .
I am surprised at the negative comments re hearing aids , the have helped me , you will only know if you try them
Difficulty in understanding conversation in noisy environments , pubs restaurants etc , I would be lucky to get 25% of what was being said . missing the opening few words when I was being addressed directly , I would have to concentrate hard to get what was being said and as you said lip-reading . It was more annoying for my family that me , as every thing said to me had to be repeated .
I was finally dragged kicking and screaming into Boots Hearing dept ( others are available )
I discovered that I was suffering serious loss of hearing of higher frequencies , partly age problem . but also due to listening to loud music on headphones when I was younger .
I was lent a set of hearing aids set to enhance these higher frequencies , and it was a revelation .
Then came the hard sell . so £3k later I have the Rolls Royce of aids , these auto adapt to the noise environment and can tailor the output to suit , be it in an open car , pub. windy ,cinema and so on , one trick is via blue tooth to cross link the aids in particularly noisy situations so as to send the same sounds to both aids .
I am surprised at the negative comments re hearing aids , the have helped me , you will only know if you try them
MX51ROD said:
Yes , know exactly what you are experiencing , I am suffering from age related hearing loss .
Difficulty in understanding conversation in noisy environments , pubs restaurants etc , I would be lucky to get 25% of what was being said . missing the opening few words when I was being addressed directly , I would have to concentrate hard to get what was being said and as you said lip-reading . It was more annoying for my family that me , as every thing said to me had to be repeated .
I was finally dragged kicking and screaming into Boots Hearing dept ( others are available )
I discovered that I was suffering serious loss of hearing of higher frequencies , partly age problem . but also due to listening to loud music on headphones when I was younger .
I was lent a set of hearing aids set to enhance these higher frequencies , and it was a revelation .
Then came the hard sell . so £3k later I have the Rolls Royce of aids , these auto adapt to the noise environment and can tailor the output to suit , be it in an open car , pub. windy ,cinema and so on , one trick is via blue tooth to cross link the aids in particularly noisy situations so as to send the same sounds to both aids .
I am surprised at the negative comments re hearing aids , the have helped me , you will only know if you try them
Are the more expensive ones worth the money would you say?. Difficulty in understanding conversation in noisy environments , pubs restaurants etc , I would be lucky to get 25% of what was being said . missing the opening few words when I was being addressed directly , I would have to concentrate hard to get what was being said and as you said lip-reading . It was more annoying for my family that me , as every thing said to me had to be repeated .
I was finally dragged kicking and screaming into Boots Hearing dept ( others are available )
I discovered that I was suffering serious loss of hearing of higher frequencies , partly age problem . but also due to listening to loud music on headphones when I was younger .
I was lent a set of hearing aids set to enhance these higher frequencies , and it was a revelation .
Then came the hard sell . so £3k later I have the Rolls Royce of aids , these auto adapt to the noise environment and can tailor the output to suit , be it in an open car , pub. windy ,cinema and so on , one trick is via blue tooth to cross link the aids in particularly noisy situations so as to send the same sounds to both aids .
I am surprised at the negative comments re hearing aids , the have helped me , you will only know if you try them
Derek Smith said:
I have problems understanding what people are saying to me. In a pub or other location where there's background noise, even if not very loud, I'm deaf as far as conversation is concerned. It is, I'm told by a doctor, age related. Or in other words, clear off.
Over recent years I've got quite effective at lip reading, especially if I know the person's idioms quite well. As long as they face me I'm not deaf.
One major problem has been going to the cinema. The loudness, rather counter-intuitively, mean I lose what is being said. It ruins most films where the dialogue is important (which is almost all films that I used to enjoy).
Talking of counter-intuitive, a friend with the same problem said that he uses ear plugs in cinemas and this means he hears what people say quite clearly. So feeling a bit on the stupid side, and hoping no one will see, I used ear plugs when I went to see Rogue One. It worked, and to a degree that was remarkable. It was as if my ears were 20 years younger.
It works in a pub, or at least my rugby club bar, as well. If anyone notices I tell them, truthfully, that they are hearing aids.
I know loss of hearing has many causes - some of mine is due to my time in a firearms unit - but if you have problems in pubs (not related to being able to stand at the end of the evening) then I suggest you give it a try.
Unable to understand conversation is very isolating. I find myself either not saying anything or speaking too much.
Not a complete cure of course, but for me a massive improvement.
Good tip, I'll certainly give it a try. I suspect it masks the louder sounds allowing you to pick up the dialogue. I've found films are worse, TV programmes are much easier to hear.Over recent years I've got quite effective at lip reading, especially if I know the person's idioms quite well. As long as they face me I'm not deaf.
One major problem has been going to the cinema. The loudness, rather counter-intuitively, mean I lose what is being said. It ruins most films where the dialogue is important (which is almost all films that I used to enjoy).
Talking of counter-intuitive, a friend with the same problem said that he uses ear plugs in cinemas and this means he hears what people say quite clearly. So feeling a bit on the stupid side, and hoping no one will see, I used ear plugs when I went to see Rogue One. It worked, and to a degree that was remarkable. It was as if my ears were 20 years younger.
It works in a pub, or at least my rugby club bar, as well. If anyone notices I tell them, truthfully, that they are hearing aids.
I know loss of hearing has many causes - some of mine is due to my time in a firearms unit - but if you have problems in pubs (not related to being able to stand at the end of the evening) then I suggest you give it a try.
Unable to understand conversation is very isolating. I find myself either not saying anything or speaking too much.
Not a complete cure of course, but for me a massive improvement.
Hoping to get mine repaired fairly soon as a tumour ate the bones in one of my ears
Must admit I snigger a little when these cars go past with the windows vibrating with a zillion amps of ste blasting out.
If you suffer from Noise Induced Hearing Loss, your buggered. Hearing aids won't work. This sort of hearing loss results in all the hair. Well likematructure on the chocola disappearing, and they do not regrow.
So take care of your hearing. As some said, high frequencies tend to go first, I worked with a guy offshore who could be standing next to a phone and couldn't hear it ring.
te blasting out.If you suffer from Noise Induced Hearing Loss, your buggered. Hearing aids won't work. This sort of hearing loss results in all the hair. Well likematructure on the chocola disappearing, and they do not regrow.
So take care of your hearing. As some said, high frequencies tend to go first, I worked with a guy offshore who could be standing next to a phone and couldn't hear it ring.
Derek Smith said:
One major problem has been going to the cinema. The loudness, rather counter-intuitively, mean I lose what is being said. It ruins most films where the dialogue is important (which is almost all films that I used to enjoy).
Subtitled cinema listings - http://www.yourlocalcinema.com/films.htmlVipers said:
Must admit I snigger a little when these cars go past with the windows vibrating with a zillion amps of ste blasting out.
If you suffer from Noise Induced Hearing Loss, your buggered. Hearing aids won't work. This sort of hearing loss results in all the hair. Well likematructure on the chocola disappearing, and they do not regrow.
So take care of your hearing. As some said, high frequencies tend to go first, I worked with a guy offshore who could be standing next to a phone and couldn't hear it ring.
I would be interested in your source for this,if it was true then I would never hear high frequencies again,but I can by turning up treble on my radio etc,or with hearing aids' turning up the treble though makes it uncomfortable for others te blasting out.If you suffer from Noise Induced Hearing Loss, your buggered. Hearing aids won't work. This sort of hearing loss results in all the hair. Well likematructure on the chocola disappearing, and they do not regrow.
So take care of your hearing. As some said, high frequencies tend to go first, I worked with a guy offshore who could be standing next to a phone and couldn't hear it ring.
Also out in the country I can now hear birds twitter,not important you might say,but it just indicates the difference enhanced hearing makes
For a long time my mum had hearing loss at specific frequencies which made it hard for her to hear certain voices in some situations. She was told by an audiologist years ago there was nothing that could be done but after a lot of prompting she went for another test recently and got a set of hearing aids.
As I understand it the latest digital ones have the ability to be 'tuned' to boost the relevant frequencies and there were a variety of ear fitments available - she did spend about £3k for something which adjusts automatically to the environment and is very pleased with the results and it's certainly a lot easier to talk to her on the phone now.
Only downside is she has to bulk buy the batteries!
As I understand it the latest digital ones have the ability to be 'tuned' to boost the relevant frequencies and there were a variety of ear fitments available - she did spend about £3k for something which adjusts automatically to the environment and is very pleased with the results and it's certainly a lot easier to talk to her on the phone now.
Only downside is she has to bulk buy the batteries!
MX51ROD said:
Vipers said:
Must admit I snigger a little when these cars go past with the windows vibrating with a zillion amps of ste blasting out.
If you suffer from Noise Induced Hearing Loss, your buggered. Hearing aids won't work. This sort of hearing loss results in all the hair. Well likematructure on the chocola disappearing, and they do not regrow.
So take care of your hearing. As some said, high frequencies tend to go first, I worked with a guy offshore who could be standing next to a phone and couldn't hear it ring.
I would be interested in your source for this,if it was true then I would never hear high frequencies again,but I can by turning up treble on my radio etc,or with hearing aids' turning up the treble though makes it uncomfortable for others te blasting out.If you suffer from Noise Induced Hearing Loss, your buggered. Hearing aids won't work. This sort of hearing loss results in all the hair. Well likematructure on the chocola disappearing, and they do not regrow.
So take care of your hearing. As some said, high frequencies tend to go first, I worked with a guy offshore who could be standing next to a phone and couldn't hear it ring.
Also out in the country I can now hear birds twitter,not important you might say,but it just indicates the difference enhanced hearing makes
Googling just now found some stuff on NIHL but it didnt mention total loss. So it seems logical as you said, some NIHL can be corrected with hearing aids, but total NIHL I think is not.
Edited by Vipers on Tuesday 17th January 09:53
My mum has been officially deaf forvyears, after major problems and infections decades ago. Shr wears hearing aids constantly, which do help.
My dad is also deaf and recieves an extra military pension, for it, many years working on the flight line, when ear defenders were seen as a sign of weakness....
He had always scoffed at my mums hearing aids, insisting that merely ampliyfing the sound was pointless, it could achieve nothing.
Until he eventually tried them! Now he wears them continually and can hold normal conversation, first time in decades!
My dad is also deaf and recieves an extra military pension, for it, many years working on the flight line, when ear defenders were seen as a sign of weakness....
He had always scoffed at my mums hearing aids, insisting that merely ampliyfing the sound was pointless, it could achieve nothing.
Until he eventually tried them! Now he wears them continually and can hold normal conversation, first time in decades!
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