KUALA LUMPUR: The loss of auditory sensitivity for adults and elderly individuals has different effects. 20dB Hearing audiologist, Nurul Amirah Mior Hasim, said that elderly individuals who do not seek treatment for hearing problems are at risk of facing difficulties in carrying out their daily routines. "For an adult experiencing mild hearing problems, they can usually continue with their daily life as usual." "But for the elderly, even mild hearing problems can make it difficult for them to communicate and continue with their daily routines." "This is because the cognitive function of the elderly has declined. That's why elderly individuals with hearing problems are at a higher risk of developing dementia or memory-related illnesses." "For example, when we meet with the elderly, they tend to repeat the same stories because experiences from their younger years are easily stored in their long-term memory." "In contrast, after the elderly experience hearing loss, information cannot be processed properly by the brain and thus slips from memory storage, leading to forgetfulness," she said.. She said this during the Agenda AWANI program on Monday.

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Amirah explained further that a person's hearing is classified into five levels: normal hearing, mild hearing loss, moderate hearing loss, severe hearing loss, and profound hearing loss. This classification level can only be determined through a hearing test conducted by a qualified audiologist.

In the same interview, 20dB Hearing audiologist Nur Ameera Johaniz highlighted that healthy hearing is an essential aspect of communication among family members. She explained that without clear hearing, it is difficult for the elderly to express their feelings and manage their emotions properly.

“When parents start to lose their hearing, they begin to isolate themselves. They feel embarrassed to speak because they frequently have to ask for repetitions and no longer find conversation enjoyable.”

“As a result, they often spend time alone and stop engaging in conversations. We want to use this initiative to raise awareness about the importance of hearing in ensuring emotional stability,” she said.

Therefore, she recommends that in addition to general health check-ups, elderly individuals should also undergo hearing health screenings and seek hearing rehabilitation treatment at an early stage. Free hearing screenings for elderly individuals aged 60 and above are available at 20dB Hearing centers, which have 30 branches across the country.

Don't wait any longer to address your hearing problems. Visit the nearest 20dB Hearing branch and start your journey to better hearing. Call 1800 88 2032 or WhatsApp at 012-942 7729.

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