Causes of Age-Related Hearing Loss

Dedicated to providing high-quality care, Visiting Ancillary Services strives to meet the dental and audiology needs of nursing home residents. Visiting Ancillary Services uses advanced audiological technology to evaluate and address hearing loss in older adults.

Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, affects approximately one-third of adults aged 65 to 74 and close to one-half of those 75 and older. Hearing loss most often is a result of degeneration or damage to the components of the cochlea, a portion of the inner ear. As the wear and tear of age begin to affect the nerves inside the cochlea, a person's hearing suffers permanent damage.

Damage is most often the result of the natural effects of aging, though noise exposure or damage from chemicals or pharmaceuticals may contribute as well. There may be a genetic component in some patients, and others may experience hearing loss secondary to health conditions such as diabetes, nerve tumors, or autoimmune diseases.

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Visiting Ancillary Services Denver Colorado is an accredited 501(c)3 charity providing dental services to the needy elderly residing in nursing homes. Visiting Ancillary Services Denver Colorado brings all our equipment right into the nursing home to best serve our patients. Nursing Homes and Assisted Living facilities contract with Visiting Ancillary Services Inc (VAS) to provide the best dental care available. In most cases there is no direct cost to eligible patients for Medicaid, PETI, or OPTUM (EverCare)and will accept private-pay patients at the same payment rate as Medicaid PETI saving hem 60% over usual and customary charges. We will also treat your employees and families by appointment at our office or on-site at your facility.

Visiting Ancillary Services Inc
800 E 73rd Ave
Denver CO 80229
303-650-5800
http://www.vasnpo.org
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Visiting-Ancillary-Services/319082928254906

One in Three Adults over 60 Suffers from Hearing Loss

Based in Denver, Colorado, Visiting Ancillary Services is a 501(c)(3) charity that provides dental and auditory services to seniors living in nursing homes. A sponsor of Your Hearing Network, Visiting Ancillary Services uses modern technology to diagnose auditory problems and prescribe appropriate treatment to nursing home residents.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, as many as 37.5 million US adults suffer from hearing loss, making it the third largest public health concern for adults, after arthritis and heart disease. Of the adults affected, 25 percent are between the ages of 65 and 74, while 50 percent are over 75. 

There are three different types of hearing loss affecting adults.

1. Sensorineural hearing loss

This occurs when nerves in the inner ear are damaged, preventing the proper relay of auditory signals to the brain. It is difficult to treat, but can frequently be overcome with hearing aids. 

2. Conductive hearing loss

This occurs when the outer or middle ear is damaged, preventing sound from reaching the inner ear. Often, it can be treated with surgery, if detected early. 

3. Mixed hearing loss

This is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. 

Because of the high prevalence of hearing loss among seniors, adults over 65 are encouraged to have their ears checked annually so that hearing problems can be detected early and medically treated. If the condition is untreatable, then hearing instruments can be prescribed.