World Hearing Day: Raising Awareness for Senior Hearing Health
On the 3rd of March, the World Health Organization set a goal to raise awareness of hearing health via World Hearing Day. It's a vital step in normalizing the issue of hearing in our senior years, with around one in three of us experiencing some form of loss after we turn 65.
In this guide, we'll talk about some of the facts and realities of hearing loss. You'll learn about the signs, common causes, and some of the modern and innovative solutions available to improve your hearing.
Hearing Loss in Your Senior Years: the Causes
As you age, your body is more prone to hearing loss. Here are some of the main causes:
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss due to the deterioration of the hair cells in the inner ear. These hair cells detect sound vibrations, and as these deteriorate, they can leave you with a gradual decline in your hearing, most notably high-frequency sounds.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
If you spend too much time in loud environments like busy roads, music concerts, and other factors, you could face long-term damage to your hearing. It's important to wear ear defenders to protect your hearing in these environments.
Genetics
Some people may inherit hearing loss from their parents. If you have family members with hearing loss, it's worth finding out if there is a genetic cause.
Medical Conditions
Chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease can sometimes impact your hearing. That's due to the impact on blood flow to the ears.
Medications
In rare cases, medication can include hearing loss as a side effect. Read the labels on medicines and check the side effects with your health practitioner.
The Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Your Senior Years
Recognizing the signs of hearing loss is important. Prompt attention will help you get a diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment. Here are some of the red flags that could mean you have hearing loss in your senior years.
- Difficulty keeping track of conversations in groups
- Muffled voices when speaking to people on the phone
- Frequently asking friends and family to repeat what they said
- Persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, which could be a sign of tinnitus
- Withdrawing from social activities because of difficulties communicating with others
- Keeping the phone and television volume settings on loud
It's important not to dismiss these as a normal part of getting older. With the right treatment and hearing aids, you can have a dramatically improved life, enjoy conversations with others, and avoid the risks of social isolation.
Hearing Protection: The Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss
In the early stages of hearing loss, the symptoms might feel manageable. Nevertheless, there is a surprisingly significant impact on sufferers, which is one of the reasons early hearing detection and diagnosis are vital for seniors.
It can impact a person's mental health, with broken conversations causing frustration and, in some cases, withdrawal from social situations.
There is also a link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. One theory is that the brain needs to work harder to piece together sounds when there are gaps, diverting resources away from other important areas like memory.
Safety is also a concern, as hearing loss can leave you with balancing issues and a risk of a fall. Plus, it may be harder to hear warning sounds like a smoke alarm.
Senior Ear Health: Hearing Aids, Assistive Devices and Treatments
There are lots of treatments and hearing aids that can make a dramatic difference for those facing hearing loss. Screening and a diagnosis can help point you in the direction of the best solution. Here are some of the most common options you might encounter:
- BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids
- ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids
- CIC (completely-in-canal) hearing aids
- Personal amplifiers
- Captioned telephones
- TV listening systems
- Alerting devices like visual alarm systems
When speaking to your healthcare practitioner, talk about your lifestyle needs.
You may also find that your hearing diagnosis is a temporary one with a permanent fix, such as a blockage from ear wax. Again, your healthcare provider will be able to arrange the best treatment. However, this underscores the importance of getting a thorough assessment.
Communication Tips: Connecting With Seniors Experiencing Hearing Loss
If you have a loved one who has had a hearing loss diagnosis, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to help ease the situation for them and reduce any stigma.
First, be ready to listen to your loved one and their feelings about their diagnosis. Be patient, and understand that the news may take time to absorb. There will be an adjustment period.
Second, make an effort to improve your verbal communication by speaking clearly and always maintaining eye contact.
Third, find out how you can help in practical ways. Perhaps your loved one needs someone to come along to appointments, or you might be able to help by ordering hearing devices for them.
Hearing Loss in Senior Independent Living in Springfield, MO
If you currently reside in senior living in Springfield, MO, or plan on moving to this type of community, you should speak to the care team about the support they offer for hearing loss and other ways they can help, such as making the environment more accessible.
Quiet rooms, extra listening devices, and inclusive activities can be hugely valuable to someone adjusting to hearing loss. Talking to a care team can also ensure you have a caregiver who understands your diagnosis and can adjust your care accordingly, such as speaking more clearly.
Sharing a diagnosis is also important if you have a loved one in memory care in Springfield, MO, who may be unable to advocate for themselves.
World Hearing Day: Taking Action via Global Hearing Awareness
World Hearing Day is a timely reminder of the importance of our ear health in our senior years. Get your hearing checked via a professional screening, and never forget that lots of support and solutions are available.
If you are considering assisted living in Springfield, MO, come and see what SpringHouse Village has to offer. With professional teams of compassionate staff and stylish surroundings, we can help you design your perfect retirement, including the support you need for your hearing. Discover more by booking a tour here.