Aging: Hearing Loss Is Common but Often Ignored

New York Times, March 8th, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/08/health/research/08aging.html?scp=20&sq=Health&st=nyt

This article highlights the fact that nearly two-thirds of Americans older than seventy suffer from hearing loss, ranging from mild to severe, according to a pioneer study aimed to understand the prevalence of hearing impairment in a nationally representative sample of older adults. Sixty-three percent of those 70 and older were found to be suffering from impairment that affects their ability to hear human speech. Nevertheless, hearing aid use is not prevalent among older populations, according to Dr. Frank R. Lin, an assistant professor of otology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Deafness as a result of old age is an extremely common problem, affecting millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, little is being done to help people with hearing problems, even though a lot of conditions of the ear are extremely difficult to live with. Not only those with hearing loss receive little sympathy, but even medics and caretakers tend to offer little help. People are not offered the help they should be, and the problem can get worse, since with this negligence comes a sense of isolation that accompanies these conditions. Furthermore, problems associated with hearing loss will be exacerbated in future generations as the "Ipod generation" becomes to age. These issues will arise much sooner than expected, since many people today are constantly listening to music on mp3 devices.