As we get older, our hearing naturally diminishes, making it more difficult to hear sounds as often. This is a natural process and not a sign of an underlying health problem. However, hearing loss and old age go hand in hand doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be vigilant in the early stages.
Therefore, it’s essential to know what to look for when examining your own or somebody else’s hearing. Keep in mind that if you notice an issue, do not panic right away. What you think is hearing loss might not be anything at all.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Many people have hearing problems and find it challenging to recognize that they don’t hear as well as they used to. Many will experience difficulty understanding what people are saying or not being able to listen to things at all when outside. You need to be wary of the following signs and see your doctor if you notice them.
What to Look for:
- Hearing difficulties over the phone.
- Trouble following speech in a conversation.
- Ask people to repeat their words frequently.
- Having to turn the TV volume up to the point where other people complain
- Not sure where the sound is coming from
- Avoid social gatherings where large groups of people are talking simultaneously.
- Being the last one to know when something is said
- Feeling left out of conversations
Factors That Contribute To Hearing Loss In The Elderly
Hearing loss is common for older people. It is estimated that more than half of older people experience some hearing problem. While it’s not uncommon, this isn’t something you want to ignore and put off until later. Though it may seem harmless at first, it can get worse over time.
1. Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)
Presbycusis is known as age-related hearing loss because it happens to everyone as they get older. No medical procedure or medication can cure it.
As you get older, your hearing loss will worsen and make it harder to understand speech or hear in noisy places. But it’s not a permanent condition, and it can take years before you notice any symptoms. If you already have hearing loss, it will affect your ability to hear as you age.
2. Exposure To Loud Noise
Loud sounds can cause hearing loss. That’s because loud sounds can damage the nerve endings in your inner ear, called hair cells. Your brain receives electrical signals from your hair cells. Sometimes, loud sounds can even cause hearing loss right away. People who work in factories or exposure to military combat are at a higher risk of developing hearing loss due to noise exposure.
Being in a loud place could also be a risk factor. Long-term exposure to loud sounds in a workplace, like those in a manufacturing plant, can make you at risk of hearing loss.
3. Certain Medications & Diseases
Some medications may have adverse side effects like hearing loss. Be aware of the side effects of the medicines you are taking. If you’re struggling to hear or understand people, it’s essential to see a doctor. Diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and a history of head injury can all contribute to hearing loss.
4. Genetics
Some people may have a higher risk of experiencing hearing loss as they get older, especially if there is a history of hearing loss in the family. It is possible to inherit some genes, which means your risks will increase if you have family members who have suffered from hearing loss due to age or loud noise exposure.
It’s estimated that hearing loss is three times more likely in someone who has a family member with hearing problems. Having a parent or child with hearing loss will place you at higher risk, even if they are not directly related.
5. Virus and Bacteria
Some viruses and bacteria that may affect your hearing include meningitis, fungal infections, meningitis, and viral infections. In some cases, they are directly related to the development of hearing loss. The good news is that the best treatment is prevention. If you notice any sign of a virus or bacterial infection in your ear, it’s essential to get it diagnosed and treated.
Ways to Cope with Hearing Loss
It is better to prevent a hearing loss than to treat it. The following are ways you can help prevent hearing loss from occurring:
1. Turn down the volume on your TV, radio, or phone before bed
You should be able to hear the TV or radio clearly in your bedroom at a volume that will allow you to sleep well.
2. Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help keep your hearing clear and healthy. Fruits like oranges and other citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C, which aids in preventing the common cold and other infections.
Avoid overeating sugar. Eating foods high in sugar can make your hearing more sensitive to loud noises and increase the risk of developing age-related deafness. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of hearing loss in the elderly.
3. Reduce your exposure to loud noise
Wearing protective ear gear or earplugs in noisy environments can help reduce your risk of developing age-related deafness. If necessary, wear hearing protection when working.
As an older adult, you should be careful with exposure to loud noises. Your brain is more sensitive to noise, which can cause permanent damage to your hearing.
4. Exercise Regularly
If you’re a senior, it’s essential to begin an exercise program to strengthen your heart and healthy blood flow. Exercise is also good for your overall health. A healthy body means a healthy mind and can cope with the setbacks of hearing loss.
Some exercises are suitable for your hearing, such as the following:
- Meditate: You should practice a regular meditation practice. The practice of meditation creates a sense of calmness and gives you a feeling of control over yourself, which helps with stress and improves your mental clarity.
- Listen to music: Regular listening to audiobooks is an excellent way to stimulate your mind and keep you focused while driving or doing other activities. You can also listen online or on the radio while exercising, working, or playing sports to keep your mind active.
- Singing: This is a great way to exercise your vocal cords, nerves, and muscles. Singing helps you to strengthen and maintain the use of your voice. You can choose the type of music that interests you. Music therapy has also been shown to help with hearing problems in people with hearing loss caused by noise exposure or age-related deafness.
- Dance: It is good to do this while exercising. Dance can help improve reflexes, balance, coordination, and increase your heart rate. Dancing can keep your muscles and mind active and healthy.
5. Limit your consumption of alcohol
Getting older can make you more susceptible to alcohol. Alcohol is a substance that affects the brain cells, which can cause hearing loss.
It is essential to drink responsibly, as alcohol can cause permanent damage to your hearing. One alcoholic drink a day has shown to be beneficial for your health. However, excessive alcohol consumption can cause health issues and problems with your hearing.
6. Reduce the use of mobile phones
Studies have shown that talking on the phone for long periods can affect your hearing ability. Hearing experts warn against using mobile phones at high volume and advise people to limit their phone use or avoid holding them close to their ears. It’s also important to limit exposure to loud noises from home appliances like vacuum cleaners and hair dryers.
7. Limit smoking
Smoking can cause permanent damage to your hearing. It can worsen age-related deafness and other types of hearing loss. It’s best to avoid smoking or stop the habit entirely at an early age rather than trying to quit when you are older.
8. Reduce your exposure to chemicals
Many older people have regular exposure to industrial chemicals in their workplaces or at home. These chemicals can affect their hearing, which may lead to hearing loss. Avoid doing housework and other work that involves exposure to harmful chemicals.
9. Seek Professional Treatment
If you have been experiencing a hearing loss for a period, you should consider seeing a physician to determine the cause. A qualified physician will be able to do a proper evaluation and provide the help you need. See your doctor if any changes or symptoms concern you regarding your hearing. If possible, mention it as part of your annual physical so they can keep track of any changes.
Final Thought
We at Wellness Home Care wish you good health and long life. We believe that being physically and mentally healthy is the key to living a fulfilling life. We strive to help our clients achieve these goals through quality care services. We consider old age as a time for developing grey cells, which offers new experiences in life. Therefore, we provide our senior clients with different kinds of therapy that aim to relieve their stress and reduce the risk of illness.
It is essential to understand that all the above ways are only ways to improve your hearing and nothing harmful or dangerous. For more information, you can contact us today.
