Age is no barrier
to better hearing

Hearing loss is common but not untreatable

One in three people over the age of 65 has hearing loss that affects their ability to communicate with family and friends2. Contrary to general belief, losing our hearing as we age is not always inevitable – and there are proven treatments available, even when hearing aids are no longer enough.

Hearing loss with age:
sounds inevitable?

Common misconceptions are that cochlear implants are only available to the young. In fact, cochlear implants are effective for people of a wide range of ages.

Cochlear Implant recipient
"I am back in the hearing world again. I am back to being me."

Margaret, cochlear implant recipient from Scotland

Good hearing is essential for healthy ageing2

Global research4 underlines the important link between hearing and healthy ageing, and supports our understanding of how hearing affects overall health and wellbeing.

People believe hearing loss can…

A significant health issue

Nearly nine out of 10 people who have a close family member with hearing loss say it affects communication with their loved ones4. However, it can come on gradually and without pain, so the seriousness of this condition is often overlooked or dismissed as inevitable.

Left untreated, hearing loss leads to people becoming socially isolated and less independent, which puts a strain on families and friendships. Hearing loss is also associated with other serious health issues, such as cognitive decline5, depression6-7 and falls8. In some cases, it even has a financial impact, when it affects the ability to stay in work4.

Treatment for lifelong hearing

Many people are unaware of other treatment options that are available when hearing aids are no longer enough.

When hearing aids are no longer enough, cochlear implants may be a solution. Cochlear implants treat advanced hearing loss, by directly stimulating the cochlea.

Cochlear implants are proven to be more effective for speech recognition in a range of situations over hearing aids4 (for example in conversation at a café or restaurant, talking on the phone, listening to the radio and watching TV).

Next step?

If hearing loss is affecting the way you live and stopping you from doing what you enjoy, it may be time to think about your treatment options. If you are dissatisfied with your hearing aids, talk to your audiologist and ask if a cochlear implant might work for you.

Request your free information guide

REFERENCES

  1. Wilkerson BJ1, Porps SF, Babu SC. The Impact of Comorbidities in the Aging Population on Cochlear Implant Outcomes. Otol Neurotol. 2017 Sep;38(8):e285-e288. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000001501.
  2. World Health Organization. Deafness & Hearing Loss Factsheet. Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss
  3. World Health Organization. Ageing and health Factsheet. Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
  4. Global state of hearing report 2019. D1591517
  5. Livingston G, Sommerlad A, Orgeta V, Costafreda S, Huntley J, Mukadam N, et al. The Lancet Commissions: Dementia prevention, intervention, and care.
    The Lancet [serial on the Internet]. (2017, Dec 16); 3902673-2734.
  6. Hsu W, Hsu C, Wen M, Lin H, Tsai H, Hsu Y, et al. Increased risk of depression in patients with acquired sensory hearing loss: A 12-year follow-up study.
    Medicine [serial on the Internet]. (2016, Nov); 95(44): e5312.
  7. Barnett S. A hearing problem. American Family Physician [serial on the Internet]. (2002, Sep 1); 66(5): 911.
  8. Stam M, Kostense P, Lemke U, Merkus P, Smit J, Kramer S, et al. Comorbidity in adults with hearing difficulties: which chronic medical conditions are related to hearing impairment? International Journal Of Audiology [serial on the Internet]. (2014, June); 53(6): 392-401.

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.
Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.
Cochlear, Hear now. And always and the elliptical logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Cochlear Limited.

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