If you’re a senior, then hearing loss is likely already a condition that you’re familiar with and on the lookout for. Maintaining great hearing while aging is a common concern, and for good reason. 55% of adults over 75 suffer from hearing loss.
While age-related hearing issues are common, some seniors suffer from fluctuating hearing loss that tends to come and go. This varies from age-related hearing loss and there are a variety of different causes for it.
In this guide, we’ll tell you more about fluctuating hearing loss and will discuss its causes and management strategies.
What Is Fluctuating Hearing Loss?
Fluctuating hearing loss is characterized by hearing loss that seems to get worse or better at random. This variable auditory decline tends to come and go and its severity may increase or decrease at any moment.
This type of hearing loss can be experienced by anyone at any age. Children are prone to fluctuating hearing loss as are adults and seniors.
Compared to other types of hearing loss, identifying the cause of fluctuating hearing loss isn’t as straightforward. Various things can cause this type of hearing loss. A variety of factors will need to be taken into consideration to determine the cause as well as potential solutions.
Symptoms of Fluctuating Hearing Loss
There are many symptoms that you could experience with fluctuating hearing loss. Here’s what you should look out for.
Intermittent Hearing Loss
The main thing that characterizes fluctuating hearing loss is sudden changes in the way you hear. Your hearing may change from day to day or seem to change after another length of time has passed. Your hearing may sometimes function normally.
If your hearing fluctuates like this, you may be experiencing this type of hearing loss.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus often goes along with this type of hearing loss. If you have this condition, certain sounds may be consistently present or intermittent. You may hear sounds such as:
- Buzzing
- Ringing
- Hissing
- Booming
- Clicking
Tinnitus is associated with other types of hearing loss as well, so this is just one symptom you should look out for.
Dizziness
Another thing to look for is dizziness and nausea. These are often part of your experience with Meniere’s disease, a common cause of fluctuating hearing loss.
Ear Pain
You could also experience physical symptoms in your ears themselves. You may feel intermittent ear pain or have a sense of pressure in your ear from fluid buildup.
Other Types of Hearing Loss
While seniors often experience hearing loss as they age, they may suffer from fluctuating hearing loss as well.
Age-related hearing loss occurs gradually over time and tends to progress in a linear fashion. With age-related hearing loss, older adults may have trouble hearing higher frequencies. They could have trouble hearing sounds from a television or radio or could have difficulty participating in conversations. They could also become socially isolated, although great senior living options can help prevent this.
While age-related hearing loss can be associated with a person’s overall health and wellness, fluctuating hearing loss tends to occur due to an underlying medical condition such as Meniere’s disease. Unlike age-related hearing loss that will progress naturally over time, fluctuating hearing loss may come and go and could get either better or worse as time goes by.
What Causes Fluctuating Hearing Loss?
Fluctuating hearing loss is most often associated with Meniere’s disease, a condition that results from the buildup of fluid in a person’s inner ear. It commonly includes hearing issues as well as tinnitus, vertigo, and dizziness. Other conditions can lead to fluctuating hearing loss as well. Otosclerosis, for example, can affect the bone growth of the middle ear and lead to hearing loss.
Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) can also cause fluctuating hearing loss. The condition leads to inflammation and damage to the inner ear, causing hearing loss. It can potentially progress to permanent hearing loss.
Fluctuating hearing loss could also be related to allergies, infections, or inflammation that causes fluid buildup and other damage. Loud noise exposure can cause permanent hearing loss, but can also lead to fluctuating hearing loss.
What to Do About Fluctuating Hearing Loss
Regardless of the type of hearing loss a senior has, it’s essential to take steps to diagnose the problem and look for solutions. If you have fluctuating hearing loss, the last thing you’ll want to do is ignore the situation.
If you notice the symptoms, visit a medical professional for senior hearing care. A specialist can give you hearing assessments and help diagnose your condition. They can help you uncover the cause of any fluctuating hearing loss you’ve been experiencing.
Fluctuating hearing loss can potentially be improved greatly with proper care and attention, but in other cases, it will be necessary to use management strategies to cope with the condition more effectively.
Managing Fluctuating Hearing Loss
In the case of autoimmune inner ear disease or Meniere’s disease, certain medications may be prescribed to help reduce the symptoms and deal with any underlying inflammation or fluid buildup that led to the condition. In other cases, more significant measures may be required. Surgery may be needed for certain conditions, such as otosclerosis.
In some cases, coping tools may be needed instead. Getting hearing aids or another assisted listening device may be the right choice for your needs.
Making lifestyle changes to cope at home or in senior living can be useful. Reducing street noise at home, improving your diet, and staying away from allergens can help. Speech and communication therapy may also be helpful and will allow you to communicate with those around you while suffering from hearing loss.
Understanding Fluctuating Hearing Loss
If you’re experiencing fluctuating hearing loss, first take steps to identify the underlying cause and then learn how to manage it effectively. Seeing a specialist will help you determine how to proceed and allow you to start living your best life again.
If you’re looking for more ways to live an amazing life as a senior, consider independent or assisted senior living in Slidell. Summerhouse Park Provence offers amazing amenities and a senior experience that is enjoyable and social.
Want to learn more about the perks of a senior living community? Contact us today to learn more about SummerHouse Senior Living amenities and living options and to schedule a tour.
