Imagine missing out on a big family announcement of an engagement or pregnancy because you couldn’t catch what they had said. This is a fear faced by some seniors who are contemplating whether they have the first signs of hearing loss.
The World Health Organisation designated March 3rd as World Hearing Day, and it’s the perfect time to raise awareness about the reality of senior hearing loss. Read on for more information about the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments available.
Hearing Loss in Seniors: Common Causes
Hearing loss isn’t inevitable in old age. Nevertheless, when you reach your senior years, it’s vital to be aware of your risks and know the common causes, which we’ve outlined here:
Age-Related Hearing Loss
Age-related loss, or presbycusis, is one of the most common causes of hearing problems for seniors. This is part of the natural aging process in which the inner ear canal deteriorates. The cells become damaged, so hearing loss is progressive and irreversible.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Continued exposure to loud noises can damage the ears and put you at risk of hearing loss. If you work in noisy environments without hearing protection or you attend lots of loud music concerts, you should get checked for possible hearing loss.
Genetics
Some individuals are more at risk of hearing loss as the condition can be genetic. In this case, you could be predisposed to hearing decline, and it is important to get checked if you have family members with hearing issues.
Medical Issues
Some medical conditions come with a risk of hearing loss. That includes diseases that interrupt blood flow in the body, like diabetes and heart disease.
Medications
Occasionally, medications have side effects that impact the ears. Always check the labels on medication and speak to your doctor if you are concerned about hearing loss.
Hearing Loss: Warning Signs
Early detection of hearing loss will help you get the best treatment. Here are some of the warning signs that you could be suffering from early hearing loss:
- You have difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments
- Other people sound muffled or mumbling when speaking to you
- You avoid environments where you’ll struggle to listen to conversations
- You have ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
- You have the phone and TV volume on loud
It’s easy to feel frustrated in these situations or to brush it off as part of modern life. However, warning signs mean it’s time to get checked. Book an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a proper hearing screening.
Senior Ear Health and the Impact of Hearing Loss
In your senior years, you’ll want to enjoy your retirement, socialize with friends, and maybe try a hobby or two. Naturally, you want to stay healthy, and that includes preserving your hearing.
That’s why early hearing detection and diagnosis are crucial. The impact of unattended hearing loss in seniors can be wide-ranging, depending on the severity and the individual.
Some seniors may find themselves feeling isolated, and they may want to withdraw from social activities. For others, feelings of frustration might dominate as they face the challenge of conversations that are hard to hear. Always speak to a trusted healthcare provider if you spot signs of hearing loss.
Regular Health Checkups and Senior Hearing
Hearing checkups are the best way to tackle hearing loss because early checkup allows your healthcare provider to focus on solutions.
Timely interventions like hearing aids can alleviate the challenges you face with heading and help you avoid putting yourself at further risk in loud environments. They can also rule out causes like medication and an ear blockage, as these causes could offer a quick solution.
If you have a loved one in memory care for seniors in Luling, speak to their care team to ask about a screening.
Modern Hearing Aids and Other Devices
If you have a screening and are diagnosed with hearing loss, your next step will be talking to your healthcare provider about support and treatment. For hearing loss, there is a range of modern aids and devices that can help improve your hearing and your quality of life.
Here are some of the options you might see:
- BTE (behind the ear) hearing aids
- ITE (in the ear) hearing aids
- CIC (completely in canal) hearing aids
- Personal amplifiers to assist you with one-to-one conversations
- TV listening systems
- Captioned telephone
- Visual alert and alarm systems
Always discuss your needs with your hearing specialist so they can find the best set of solutions for you. Be open about any concerns, and take the time to ask any questions if you’re uncertain.
Assisted Living Homes in Luling: Support from Family and Care Teams
Family, friends, and care teams can be a vital source of support for any life change, and hearing loss may fit that category.
Speak to a trusted person in your life about your concerns, and if you worry about a screening, take along a friend for support.
If you are in either assisted living in Luling or memory care in Luling, ask your care team for some hearing support. They will be able to support you with practical help and a compassionate approach.
Addressing the Stigma of Hearing Loss
Some seniors find hearing loss to be embarrassing, or they may feel it makes them seem old. However, it’s important to shake off this stigma and realize that hearing loss is relatively common, and thanks to modern technology, there are lots of great aids available to make life better.
Normalize hearing health as you would with any other aspect of your health and wellness. Schedule regular checkups, be open about your diagnosis, and reinforce the importance of hearing health to your friends and family.
World Hearing Day: Raising Awareness on an Important Issue
World Hearing Day is an excellent global hearing awareness campaign that reminds us all of the reality of hearing loss in seniors. It’s also a reminder that you aren’t alone. There are aids and treatments available, but your first step is to get a professional screening.
At our senior living community in Luling, we take every step to make residents feel welcome and supported, including providing quiet environments and listening devices where needed. Find out more about SummerHouse Ashton Manor assisted living for seniors, Luling, by heading here.
