'These Darn Hearing Aids!' Why Seniors Can't Hear Well with Them

Hearing Expert Explains Why Seniors Have so Much Trouble with Hearing Aids

While hearing aids can improve an elderly person's hearing deficiencies, they are not problem-free. In fact, the main complaints seniors have with hearing aids are unable to hear a person speaking when background noise is present; quality of the sound; and difficulties with loudness. Although technology continues to improve the power of hearing aids, Dr. Mary Kay Uchmanowicz, AuD., CCC-A of Twin Rivers Hearing Health in Rhode Island explains that other aspects must work in tandem with hearing aids.

For example, seniors with hearing aids need to gain confidence in educating the people around them about the hearing difficulties they have. "For someone with hearing aids, it's an adjustment in life. There is an education process, for instance, how to use hearing aids in a crowded room where multiple conversations are taking place, when the TV is on and someone is talking, or when driving a car," explains Dr. Mary Kay. "There is an education curve for hearing aid patients, as well as their families and friends, so that they can address the challenges they are facing and be able to adjust to them."

Often times, the elderly are unable to express their problems adequately because they don't want to be "a bother" or cause someone to "go out of their way" for them. But seniors wearing hearing aids need to educate the people around them so that they can become aware of the challenges hearing aid users face. Short of doing so, seniors can quickly develop other problems. "A hearing loss often brings other concerns, such as isolation, anxiety and depression," explains Dr. Mary Kay.