About the hearing of the elderly

After the age of 20, hearing loss gradually decreases. And as we get older, it becomes harder to hear high frequencies. As a result, it is said that things like the ringing of a telephone or the sound of a thermometer tend to become difficult to hear, or become muffled and unclear.
Also, sounds and words that are difficult for elderly people to hear are called pa, ta, ka, and sa.
As you get older and your hearing becomes harder, it becomes difficult to communicate with those around you and it becomes difficult to detect danger, which can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety, making it difficult to interact socially. may become less.

Understanding the hearing characteristics of the elderly and making small changes to the way you speak can make it easier for the elderly to hear. Please keep in mind the following when talking.

1. Speak slowly and clearly, not loudly, but in a slightly louder voice.
2. Pronounce the pa, ta, ka, and sa lines clearly and clearly.
3. Speak at a length and with firm emphasis at the beginning of each word.
4. Speak from the front and clearly show your mouth movements to the other person.

We recommend that you consult with an otorhinolaryngologist or other specialist regarding your hearing and undergo any necessary medical interviews and tests. Currently, there is no treatment to improve hearing loss due to aging, and hearing aids are used to compensate for hearing loss. Please consult an otorhinolaryngologist or other specialist regarding the use of hearing aids, and have them appropriately select and adjust hearing aids (medical institutions) and their peripheral devices, if necessary. If you have any problems, such as not hearing well or it being too noisy, have it continually fine-tuned.

Starting from fiscal year 2018, the cost of purchasing a hearing aid is eligible for medical expense deduction. You will need to see a hearing aid consultant and submit a "Medical Information Form for Hearing Aid Fitting (2018)." For more information, please consult a hearing aid consultant or visit the website of the Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Society of Japan.
Note: If you have a disability certificate, you may be eligible for reimbursement for the purchase cost.