World Hearing Day: Raising Awareness for Senior Hearing Health
Hearing loss can sometimes be so gradual that it goes unnoticed. That is, of course, until family members start complaining about your phone volume, and you complain about how much actors mumble on television nowadays.
It could be a sign that you need to get your hearing checked, especially if you have reached your senior years. To mark World Hearing Day, we've created this guide to walk you through something that impacts many seniors: hearing loss.
World Hearing Day: Hearing Health Awareness
World Hearing Day, on the 3rd of March, is a time to raise awareness about hearing loss and ear health. It is one of many global health campaigns set by the World Health Organisation to highlight important health and wellness issues.
Hearing Loss: Common Causes
There are some common factors that can lead to hearing loss in old age. Here are some you should be aware of because understanding the causes can help you take early steps or preventative measures.
Age-Related Hearing Loss
One of the most common causes of hearing loss in seniors is age-related, also known as Presbycusis. This happens because the inner ear naturally deteriorates as we get older. Early detection can help handle this because it is progressive and irreversible.
Exposure to Loud Noise
Ongoing exposure to loud noises can damage the inner ear and, in some cases, lead to hearing loss. It is more common in people who have worked in noisy environments like factories, especially if they didn't wear ear protectors. It can also happen with other regular exposure, like loud music concerts.
Ear Infections and Buildup of Ear Wax
Sometimes, an ear infection, if left untreated, can cause complications and lead to temporary hearing loss. In rare cases, this can be permanent. Sometimes, blockages happen through a buildup of ear wax, which can also impair hearing.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can come with a risk of hearing loss, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. That's because these diseases can impact blood flow to the ears.
Side Effects of Medication
Always read the label on your medication to check the side effects. While risks are often small, some medicines can come with hearing-related risks. Always check with your doctor.
Early Signs of Hearing Loss
It is easy to overlook hearing loss because often, you can attribute it to a noisy environment or not focusing enough on the conversation. However, persistent symptoms are a signal that you should get proper screening. Here are some of the signs to watch:
Difficult With Conversations
You may find it hard to follow conversations in large groups or noisy rooms. You may also find yourself regularly asking someone to repeat themselves or feeling that their voice is muffled when talking to them on the phone.
Loud Volumes on Devices
If you find yourself turning the TV to a loud setting, putting on subtitles, or setting your phone volume to high, this could be a sign of a hearing problem. You might find others comment on the loudness of your devices.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a persistent buzzing or ringing in your ears. In some cases, this can be a sign of a hearing problem.
Withdrawing from Your Social Life
If you avoid crowds, parties, or other events because you struggle to hear conversations, this is a symptom of a hearing problem. It's best to get a screening because avoiding social situations can lead to isolation and depression in old age.
The Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss
Never ignore hearing loss symptoms or delay getting a screening. Early intervention is vital because there are risks to ignored and untreated hearing loss, including:
- Cognitive decline and a higher risk of dementia
- An increase in the risk of falls from balancing and spatial awareness issues
- Social isolation
- Depression
- Impact on activities you enjoy lowering your quality of life
The best way to avoid this is to book an annual screening for your hearing. If you have notable symptoms, book a screening before your annual review to get a health specialist to check you.
Hearing Loss Prevention: Protective Measures and Ear Care Initiatives
There are plenty of steps you can take to protect your hearing and maintain your ear health.
Firstly, always attend your hearing screenings on time. Early intervention is vital and will ensure you don't have prolonged exposure to hazards.
Secondly, avoid taking risks with your ears. If you are attending a loud concert, take ear protectors. If you are in a noisy outdoor environment, wear noise-canceling headphones as a precaution.
Good physical health is crucial, too, and take sensible steps with your diet to reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Finally, check with your healthcare professional about any new medication you take in case there are any hearing side effects that you should know about.
Senior Auditory Wellness: Hearing Aids and Other Assistive Devices
Modern hearing solutions are advanced and discreet, minimizing the impact of hearing loss on wearers. Here are some of the devices and equipment you might come across, depending on the type and severity of your hearing loss.
- Amplified phones to help you hear calls
- TV listening systems
- Personal amplifiers
- Safety devices such as flashing light alarms in place of sound warnings
- Inner ear hearing aids
- Behind the ear hearing aids
Your healthcare specialist will be able to advise you on which option is best. It's also essential you talk through your needs and preferences.
Remember that all these devices are there to help you stay connected with others and improve your quality of life. If you live in a retirement community in Chippewa Falls, WI, talk to your care team about the available hearing devices.
Quality of Life: It Starts With Hearing Health
World Hearing Day is an important reminder about how much our hearing impacts our quality of life. You shouldn't accept compromises because treatments and aids are available that could make a difference.
Our assisted living community in Chippewa Falls, WI, puts health and well-being first, including hearing support for our residents. Find out more about our fantastic, supportive environment and friendly team by booking a tour of our LakeHouse Chippewa Falls senior living community in Chippewa Fall, WI, today.