False 1 English 34 Screening Tests Doctor Visits, Older Adults 4/26/2013 10:19:40 AM http://www.healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/icons/getyourhearingchecked.jpg older couple on a couch smiling http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/doctor-visits/screening-tests/get-your-hearing-checked http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/everyday-healthy-living/safety/lower-your-risk-of-falling topic http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/doctor-visits/screening-tests/get-your-vision-checked topic http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/nutrition-and-physical-activity/physical-activity/protect-your-health-as-you-grow-older topic http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/doctor-visits/regular-check-ups/get-your-medicare-wellness-visit-every-year topic

If you are over age 65, get your hearing checked. Many people lose their hearing slowly as they get older. <p>If you are over age 65, get your hearing checked. Many people lose their hearing slowly as they age.</p> <ul > <li>1 in 3 Americans between ages 65 and 74 has a hearing problem.</li> <li>1 in 2 Americans over age 75 has a hearing problem.</li> </ul> <p>If you have hearing loss, you aren&rsquo;t alone. Start by asking your doctor for a hearing test. Your doctor may refer you to a hearing specialist.</p><p><strong>Hearing problems are serious.</strong><br /> Hearing loss can be frustrating and even dangerous. If you have hearing loss, you&nbsp;may:</p> <ul > <li>Have trouble hearing doorbells or alarms</li> <li>Miss important directions or warnings</li> <li>Feel lonely or depressed</li> </ul> <p>Hearing problems can get worse if they aren&rsquo;t treated. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s important to get your hearing checked.</p> <p>If you find out you have a hearing problem, you can take steps to deal with it before it gets worse.</p><p><strong>How do I know if I have hearing loss?</strong></p><ul ><li>Do you often ask people to repeat themselves?</li><li>Do you hear ringing in your ears?</li><li>Do people say your TV is too loud?</li><li>Do you have trouble hearing over the telephone?</li><li>Do you have trouble hearing when there&rsquo;s noise in the background?</li></ul><p>If you answered yes to some of these questions, you may have hearing loss. Take this quiz to <a href="http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/10ways.asp" >find out if you might have a hearing problem</a>.</p><p>Learn more about hearing loss:</p><ul ><li><a href="http://nihseniorhealth.gov/hearingloss/toc.html" >Information for older adults</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/tinnitus.aspx" >Facts about tinnitus (ringing in the ear)</a></li></ul><p><strong>How is hearing loss treated?</strong><br />There are many products that can help with hearing loss:</p><ul ><li>Hearing aids you wear in or behind your ear</li><li>Special phones that make sounds louder</li><li>TVs that also show text (called closed captioning)</li><li>Flashing lights to let you know when an alarm or doorbell is ringing</li></ul><p>If you think you have hearing loss, start by seeing a doctor. Find out which treatment options are right for you.&nbsp;</p>

Let others know if you are having trouble hearing them. Try finding a quiet place to talk. <p>To find out if you have hearing loss, ask your doctor for a hearing test.</p> <p><strong>Schedule a hearing test.</strong><br /> If you are over age 65, get tested for hearing loss. Call your doctor or health center and make an appointment for a hearing test.</p> <p><strong><em>What about cost?</em></strong><br /> Private health insurance or Medicare may cover the cost of a hearing test. Check with your insurance provider to find out if you are covered.</p> <p>You can still get important screening tests even if you don&rsquo;t have insurance. To learn more, <a href="http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx" >find a health center near you</a>.</p><p><strong>Talk to your friends and family.</strong><br />Your friends and family need to know that you have trouble hearing. Your loved ones can make small changes to help you hear better when they talk. Ask them&nbsp;to:</p><ul ><li>Find a quiet place to talk where there isn&rsquo;t a lot of background noise</li><li>Face you and talk clearly</li><li>Speak slowly</li><li>Keep their hands away from their mouths while they talk</li><li>Avoid eating or chewing gum while talking with you</li><li>Repeat what they said if you didn&rsquo;t hear it the first time&nbsp;</li><li>Write down important information&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Protect your ears from loud noises.</strong><br />Wear earplugs or special earmuffs if you need to be around loud noises, like construction or concerts. This can help prevent damage to your hearing.</p>

<ul><li>Talk to a friend or family member about what they can do to help.</li><li><a href="http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx" >Find services for older adults near&nbsp;you</a>.</li><li>Protect your hearing by staying away from loud&nbsp;noises.</li></ul>

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