World Hearing Day: Raising Awareness for Senior Hearing Health
According to recent data, you have a one-in-three chance of hearing loss by the time you are 65. It's more common than you might think. That's why the World Health Organization launched a hearing health awareness campaign for the 3rd of March, called World Hearing Day.
If you are concerned about possible hearing loss or have recently had a diagnosis after a screening, read on. We'll share some insights into hearing loss, what to watch for, and what treatment options are available.
Hearing Loss and Aging
Aging can have an impact on our health in many ways, including our hearing. When the first signs of hearing loss occur, it can impact people in different ways. Some may withdraw from social settings. Others may have issues with their balance and put themselves at risk of a fall.
That's why good hearing health is as vital in old age as looking after your heart and joints. Regular checkups and early intervention can ensure you get the proper support and treatment and don't allow hearing loss to impact the quality of your life.
Raising awareness of hearing health is vital because encouraging proper care ensures seniors can continue enjoying life, music, and conversations and remain active.
Hearing Loss in Seniors: Common Causes
Hearing loss prevention starts with understanding some of the reasons it happens. Here are some of the leading causes:
Age-Related Loss
Presbycusis is the technical term for age-related hearing loss, which happens because the inner parts of our ears decline with age. It is progressive and affects both ears. The most notable impact of early age-related hearing loss is losing the ability to hear high-pitched sounds.
Loud Environments
Continued exposure to noisy environments can damage the inner ear. If you work in a loud outdoor environment, factory, or somewhere like backstage at a music concert, you are at higher risk of damage. This is why ear protectors are vital in some jobs.
Earwax
A buildup of earwax can block the ear canal and make sounds more muffled. Always speak to your hearing specialist, who can advise on safe methods for keeping the ear clean.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, can reduce blood flow to the ears. This can, in some cases, lead to hearing loss.
Medications
Some chemotherapy, antibiotics, and pain relief medications come with hearing-related side effects. This might be temporary or permanent, so always check with your healthcare team.
Spotting the Early Signs of Hearing Loss
Sometimes, it's hard to know if you should sharpen your listening skills or whether the problem is an issue with your ears. Here are some early warning signs that you should get your hearing tested at a professional screening service:
- You find it difficult to follow conversations in groups
- You often ask people to repeat what they say
- Sounds sometimes seem muffled
- You avoid social situations because it's hard to hear conversations in loud rooms
- You need to turn the volume of your phone and television to loud
- You have persistent ringing in your ears
If you have any of these symptoms, don't ignore them. Book a screening to check whether you have early hearing loss.
Ear Care Initiatives: Hearing Aids and Devices
If you are diagnosed with hearing loss, your next step will be to discuss a treatment plan with your health practitioner.
If the loss is temporary and caused by a blockage like wax, they may suggest a treatment to unblock the ear and restore your hearing. However, not all hearing loss is reversible. In that case, treatment options might be in the form of a device or aid, including:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Portable, personal amplifiers
- Captioned telephones
- TV listening systems
You may find that you need more than one device or aid to help support you through the day to stay connected with others and enjoy your favorite pastimes. Speak to your health practitioner, who can recommend the best solution for your needs.
Hearing Support in a Senior Living Community in Lake Mills
If you or your loved one lives in a senior living community, you should focus on working with the community team to make life accessible for someone with hearing loss. Some simple adjustments can boost their quality of life and help them stay engaged in the community. Here are some suggestions:
- Access to quiet spaces with reduced background noise
- Rooms that offer sound-absorbing materials like carpets
- Trained staff who know how to communicate with someone with hearing loss
- Hearing assistive technology like personal amplifiers
- Social activities that are suitable for those with hearing loss
You may find that your senior living community has already taken steps to make life accessible to residents with hearing loss. If you are currently searching for a community, make sure that senior auditory wellness is on your list of priorities.
How to Support a Loved One After a Hearing Loss Diagnosis
It can take a while for anyone to absorb a hearing loss diagnosis. If your loved one has recently had this news, here are some ways you can support them:
- Learn how to speak clearly and face a loved one when talking
- Reduce background noise like TVs and music before having conversations
- Encourage your loved one to use assistive devices like personal amplifiers
- Be patient with your loved one and repeat phrases calmly when requested
- Encourage your loved one to attend heading screenings
It can also be a good idea to attend hearing screenings with your loved one, especially if they are feeling apprehensive. Moral support helps seniors with hearing loss to normalize the situation.
World Hearing Day: Raising Awareness About Hearing Loss
Global health campaigns like World Hearing Day are a timely reminder of the importance of hearing health. If you have concerns, don't hesitate to book a screening.
Our assisted living community in Lake Mills has created a safe and welcoming environment for all our residents, including those with hearing loss. Find out more about why LakeHouse Lake Mills is the first-choice retirement community in Lake Mills by heading here to book a tour.