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.
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