About one-third of Americans older than age 60 have hearing
problems. About half the people who are 85 and older have
hearing loss. Whether a hearing loss is small (missing certain
sounds) or large (being profoundly deaf), it is a serious
concern. If left untreated, problems can get worse. Hearing loss
can affect your life in many ways. You may miss out on talks
with friends and family. On the telephone, you may find it hard
to hear what the caller is saying. At the doctor’s office, you
may not catch the doctor’s words. Sometimes hearing problems can
make you feel embarrassed, upset, and lonely. It’s easy to
withdraw when you can’t follow a conversation at the dinner
table or in a restaurant. It’s also easy for friends and family
to think you are confused, uncaring, or difficult, when the
problem may be that you just can’t hear well. If you have
trouble hearing, there is help. Start by seeing your doctor.
Depending on the type and extent of your hearing loss, there are
many treatment choices that may help. He