About age-related hearing loss
Age-related hearing loss
Age-related hearing loss affects one out of three people aged 65 to 74 in the United States. Nearly half of seniors will experience hearing loss by age 75 or older.
Age-related hearing loss often occurs gradually so many people don’t realize their hearing has diminished. In most cases, age-related hearing loss cannot be reversed. In spite of this, early intervention is critical. Untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation, depression, and anxiety. It is also linked to a greater risk of dementia and an increased risk of falls and other safety concerns. Regular screenings with a doctor or hearing professional can help determine if your hearing has changed and identify hearing technology, such as hearing aids, that may be beneficial.
To learn more about age-related hearing loss, check out the video Hearing Loss Matters.
You can also contact us for personal assistance and recommendations.
Fact sheets
- Adjusting to hearing loss
- Age-related hearing loss
- Aging Eyes Initiative
- Assistive equipment and technology
- Cell phones for people with hearing aids
- Getting hearing aids
- Hear for the health of it
- Hearing aid financial resources
- Home modification checklist
- How accessible is your facility?
- My hearing aid tracker
- Understanding hearing loss: A guide for care facilities
- Understanding hearing loss: A guide for human service providers
Additional resources for age-related hearing loss
Learn more about assistive technology
Assistive technology helps people who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing and late-deafened live more independently and safely. Technology advancements have led to more access, choices and inclusion for many people.
Phone access for people with hearing loss
If you have a hard time hearing on a traditional phone, the Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) Program can help! The TED Program can provide adaptive devices and accessories that make it easier to use the phone.
Find support for hearing loss
Connect with other people who share your experiences with hearing loss through a support group.
Association of Late Deafened Adults (ALDA) offers a support group for individuals who have experienced hearing loss later in life. Discussion includes strategies for adjusting to life with hearing loss, social networking and advocacy.
Black Deaf Advocates (BDA) is a local chapter of the National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA), whose mission is to promote the leadership development, economic and educational opportunities, social equality, and to safeguard the general health and welfare of Black deaf and hard of hearing people.
Hearing Loss Association of America, Twin Cities Chapter is a local chapter of a national self-help organization providing information, education, advocacy and social networking for people who are hard of hearing.
Meniere's disease and tinnitus support groups offer support group meetings on the first Saturday of every month.