Early detection is key

Early detection can be important. "Hearing impairment may be progressive, and in many cases, irreversible," says Low.

Unfortunately, many hearing-impaired persons postpone consulting a doctor for years after they start noticing problems. This state of denial can carry dire consequences such as depression and social isolation, research has shown. If your parent avoids conversation and social interactions, it could actually be a sign of hearing loss.

If the doctor diagnoses a hearing impairment, your parent will be advised on possible ways to guard against further deterioration and to improve communication with others. The necessity to use a hearing aid will also be evaluated.

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Treatments for the hearing-impaired

In some situations, surgical intervention may be more suitable. This includes surgery of the outer and middle ear structures to improve conduction of sound to the inner ear.

Ear implants may also be considered in some patients. For example, a middle ear implant can work in people experiencing either a conductive (related to the external or middle ear) or sensorineural (related to the inner ear) hearing loss.

In people with profound sensori-neural hearing loss due to inner ear damage, a cochlear implant can be considered.

After being fitted with a hearing aid or an implant, your parent will need to get adjusted to his or her new hearing environment. "With time and patience, the person tends to notice significant hearing benefit," says Low.