Hearing Loss Prevention: Tips for Seniors to Protect Their Hearing
Do you often need friends and loved ones to repeat what they've said? According to the American Academy of Audiology, 30 to 35% of adults ages 65 to 75 suffer from hearing loss. As many as 50% of adults ages 75 and older also experience hearing loss.
Untreated noise-induced hearing loss is linked with depression, cognitive decline, and poor social relationships. Applying effective hearing loss prevention strategies now can help you conserve your quality of life.
Unsure how to improve your senior hearing health? Read on for our ear protection tips!
Tips for Hearing Loss Prevention
Based on data from the World Health Organization, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss by 2050. About 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.
When left unaddressed, hearing loss can affect your quality of life, causing:
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Stigma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
- Reduced cognitive reserve
- Balance problems
- Increased risk of falls
- Difficulty keeping up with conversations
- Speech issues
The prevalence of hearing loss and these problems increases with age. Here are a few tips for hearing loss prevention you can start using today.
Limit Noise Exposure
Excessive and loud noises can impact your hearing. Common sources of noise include:
- Sporting events
- Power tools
- Concerts
- Movie theaters
- Lawn equipment
- Music through headphones/earbuds
These loud noises can overwork the hair cells in your inner ear. Prolonged, repetitive noise exposure may cause these cells to die permanently. It could damage membranes in your ear.
The next time you're in a noisy environment, consider wearing ear protection. You can visit a hearing care professional for advanced earplugs or find basic options at a local drugstore.
Try to keep your distance from sources of loud noises. When attending events, stay away from speakers and other sources.
Attending outdoor concerts may be safer than events in smaller venues. In a large outdoor space, sound scatters, making it less harmful to your ears.
Noise over 70 decibels may potentially damage your hearing. You can download a sound level meter app to ensure the volume is safe.
Clear Ears With Care
Avoid digging earwax from your ears using a cotton swab. In fact, some earwax is healthy for your ears. They lubricate your ear canal and protect the ear from foreign bodies.
Unfortunately, excessive earwax may cause hearing problems by muffling sounds. Don't put a cotton swab in your ear to remove the wax. This could push the wax in deeper, causing a plug or damaging your eardrum.
Instead, consider visiting a professional. They can remove the excess wax without causing damage.
Manage Underlying Conditions
Improving your overall health may offer ear protection benefits. For example, diabetes can affect your hearing. Try to manage your blood sugar levels.
Smoking is associated with a higher risk of hearing loss. It causes inflammation, which may damage soft tissue throughout your body.
Chemicals from smoking can cause damage to different parts of the ear. Smoking cigarettes can impact your blood vessels, affecting the flow of oxygen to the inner ear. Consider quitting to improve your senior hearing health.
If you have an underlying health condition, visit your doctor regularly for checkups. They can offer personalized hearing conservation tips based on your needs.
If you've noticed changes to your hearing, visit a hearing care professional. They can complete a full hearing exam to develop a detailed care plan for hearing conservation.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may help prevent hearing loss. Foods that are high in these include:
- Salmon
- Chia seeds
- Flax seed
- Soybeans
- Berries
- Dark chocolate
- Grapes
- Walnuts
- Sardines
Consult a doctor before making changes to your diet. You can explore healthy food options through your senior living community's dining program.
Rest Your Ears
If you have to spend time in a noisy environment, try to take a break. Avoid doing multiple noisy activities in a row.
For example, avoid listening to music through earbuds before mowing the lawn. Instead, rest your ears for five to 15 minutes every hour.
Keep your devices at 60% of the maximum volume or less to decrease your risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Sounds at 85 A-weighted decibels (like fireworks, sirens, and loud music) may damage your hearing.
Prioritize Senior Hearing Health
Common causes of hearing loss include:
- Long-term exposure to loud noises
- Inherited factors
- Aging
- Some health conditions (like diabetes and heart disease)
- Taking some medications
- Infections
- Smoking
If you experience sudden hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider right away. They'll determine the cause and type of hearing loss you're experiencing before recommending treatment options.
Aging and Hearing Care
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 28.8 million US adults could benefit from hearing aids. However, fewer than 30% of adults ages 70 and older with hearing loss have used them. Wearing hearing aids may help improve your hearing.
Wear your hearing aids consistently. This gives your brain time to process and understand the sounds heard through the aid. Wear them as much as possible during waking hours to retrain your brain.
When you first begin wearing hearing aids, there may be an adjustment period. Be patient. After wearing them for a few days, it will start to feel more natural.
Schedule Regular Hearing Tests
Even if you're not experiencing symptoms, it's beneficial to get your hearing tested once a year. Let your doctor know if you experience hearing-related problems.
Choose a Senior Living Community
Many senior living communities are equipped to help residents with hearing loss. They may help by offering:
- Assistive listening devices
- Visual alerts
- Trained staff who can communicate with residents
- Specially designed social activities
- Sign language interpreters
They can help you participate in community life (reducing your risk of social isolation).
Prioritize Your Hearing Conservation
Applying these hearing loss prevention tips now may benefit your quality of life for years to come. Remember, you can always turn to your senior living community for help.
Explore the Community Choice Award Winner for Best Assisted Living in Knoxville: The Pointe at Lifespring. We offer security, safety, and community in a warm and familiar environment.
Enjoy our top-of-the-line amenities and personalized care services. Contact us to schedule a tour in Knoxville, TN.