When discussing their health plans, seniors and their caregivers frequently inquire about the prevalence of hearing loss. Every third elderly citizen over 65 has some degree of hearing loss, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America. Although hearing loss is a common symptom of aging, seniors can take steps to protect their hearing.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
A person’s hearing can be impacted by a variety of things. Your risk of having hearing problems later in life increases if you are exposed to loud noises and noises for an extended period of time. Hearing loss is a side effect of several illnesses that are common in older people, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Hearing loss is also influenced by the medications used to treat these ailments.
Information Regarding Hearing Loss
A few quick facts about hearing loss:
- Hearing loss is more common in men than in women.
- A debilitating hearing loss affects 2% of persons between the ages of 45 and 54.
- For individuals 55 to 64, the rate in the preceding bullet increased by 8.5 percent.
- 25% of persons 65 to 74 have a hearing loss that is incapacitating.
- 50% of those who are 75 years and older have permanent hearing loss.
- Less than one-third of persons aged 70 or older who have hearing loss and who could benefit from hearing aids have ever used them.
How Might We Maintain Our Hearing?
Although not all hearing loss can be avoided, there are several things you can do to lower your risk.
Wearing Hearing Protection
Hearing loss can be prevented quite effectively by wearing hearing protection while around loud or constant noises and by leading an active, healthy lifestyle. When you are in a noisy situation, such as at a theater, keep the volume of radios and televisions at the lowest level that a senior can hear and shield their ears with noise-canceling earphones.
Balanced Diet
Eat a balanced diet to fend off diseases that cause hearing loss and the need for hearing loss-related drugs.
Visit a Physician
It’s possible that you have a problem that can be fixed. A senior who experiences momentary hearing loss due to earwax buildup may experience unnecessary concern. Alternatively, an untreated ear infection could perforate the eardrum and result in irreversible hearing loss.
How Can Hearing Be Fixed?
Hearing aids that improve and correct hearing raise self-esteem and enhance quality of life. To rule out underlying causes, it is crucial to visit with an otolaryngologist, or ENT expert. Audiologists and hearing aid specialists can pinpoint certain regions of hearing loss and, if necessary, fit a person for the right device.
The following are just a few of the many advantages of having strong hearing:
Psychiatric Wellbeing
We tend to feel more a part of things when we can hear what is going on around us effortlessly. No one should attempt to live without alone time since it is a good thing. However, it might be challenging to participate when you simply cannot understand what the other person is saying or when your group of friends sounds like a cacophony of noise. And that could make you feel annoyed, lonely, and frustrated.
Social Life
You understand how annoying it is to have to rephrase your questions to each respondent? Perhaps the restaurant where you are eating lunch is a touch noisy already. Then, it could appear necessary to reiterate a query or an answer. In those circumstances, having good hearing can help you hear what you want to hear. And that would make spending time with friends much more enjoyable. Another advantage would be that you can hear the television without disturbing your family members.
Physical Health
We constantly rely on our hearing without even realizing it. We receive information from our hearing that we must act upon to maintain our physical wellness. We need to hear sounds like the tea kettle whistling on the hot stove or an unexpected tap at the door. Your life or the life of someone you care about could be saved by hearing a car speeding down the street.
Elders can prevent hearing loss by avoiding loud noises and encouraging ear health, but it’s also crucial to encourage seniors to get their hearing examined frequently. Contact St. Bernardine Home Care right away to find out more about how to maintain a senior loved one in the greatest health possible.