Hearing Health for Elderly
Navigate the common hearing concerns faced by seniors. Equip yourself with knowledge and solutions to achieve and maintain auditory wellness
About one-third of older adults have hearing loss. The chances of developing hearing loss increase with age. People with hearing loss may find it hard to have conversations with friends and family. They often find it hard to enter into conversation and to be in groups. They may also have trouble understanding a person providing advice, responding to warnings, or hearing doorbells and alarms.
Signs of Hearing Loss
As we grow older it’s natural for hearing to gradually decline. But how do you differentiate between the ordinary, subtle changes and signs that might point towards a more significant hearing issue? Being aware of the early indicators can lead to timely interventions, ensuring a better quality of life. Here’s a breakdown of some common signs and symptoms of hearing loss:
a. Difficulty Understanding Words:
This particularly happens in noisy environments or in group conversations. Often, individuals with hearing loss might hear someone speaking but struggle to discern the exact words.
b. Frequently Asking Others to Speak More Slowly, Clearly, or Loudly:
If you constantly find yourself asking others to repeat what they’ve said or to speak more slowly, this might be a sign of hearing loss.
c. Difficulty Hearing Consonants:
Certain sounds become harder to distinguish. This can make conversations tricky, especially when background noise is present.
d. Avoidance of Social Situations:
A decreased interest in socialising or an avoidance of social gatherings can sometimes stem from difficulty hearing and the anxiety or embarrassment it might cause.
e. Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus):
A persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in the ears, known as tinnitus, can be linked to hearing loss, though it can have other causes as well.
Recognising these signs early on is crucial. It is essential not only for understanding the immediate concern but also for addressing potential underlying causes. Regular hearing check-ups, especially if any of these symptoms are noticed, can go a long way in managing and potentially improving hearing health.
Typical causes of hearing loss
While age is a primary factor in hearing loss for many seniors, various environmental elements can cause auditory issues. Understanding these can empower individuals to take preventive measures and potentially reduce the risk of hearing impairment. Here are some commonly identified environmental and lifestyle factors:
a. Prolonged Exposure to Loud Noises:
- Occupational Hazards: Jobs like construction, mining, or those involving heavy machinery often expose workers to loud noises that can damage hearing over time.
- Recreational Activities: Attending loud concerts, using firearms, or riding motorcycles without ear protection can also put hearing at risk.
b. Ear Infections and Abnormal Bone Growths:
Recurrent ear infections or conditions like otosclerosis, where an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear affects hearing, can lead to hearing loss.
c. Certain Medications or Chemicals:
Some drugs, termed “ototoxic,” can damage the inner ear. These might include specific antibiotics, some chemotherapy drugs, and large quantities of aspirin. Also solvents found in paint thinners and adhesives can cause hearing loss.
d. Illnesses:
Diseases that result in high fever, like meningitis, can damage the cochlea in the inner ear. Additionally, conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure can negatively impact hearing.
e. Lifestyle Choices:
- Smoking: Smokers are more likely to experience age-related hearing loss compared to non-smokers.
- Diet: Poor nutrition, particularly a deficiency in vitamins and minerals essential for auditory health, can increase the risk of hearing impairment.
f. Use of Personal Audio Devices:
Listening to music at high volumes for extended periods, especially with earbuds that sit close to the eardrum, can cause hearing issues.
Being aware of these factors provides a chance to take protective steps. Whether it’s using ear protection in noisy settings, managing health conditions, or being mindful of medication side effects, understanding these factors is the first step toward safeguarding one’s auditory health.
Prevention and Maintenance
Guarding your ears against potential harm and ensuring they function optimally is well worth it. Here’s how seniors can be proactive about their hearing health:
a. Regular Hearing Check-ups:
Routine hearing tests can identify any gradual decline in hearing, enabling early interventions. It’s easier to slow the progression of hearing loss with early detection.
b. Use of Protective Gear:
Earplugs & Earmuffs: If you’re in an environment with loud noises (e.g., concerts, machinery, or even noisy household tools), protective gear can reduce noise levels significantly.
Custom-made Earplugs: For those frequently exposed to loud noises, investing in custom-made earplugs can offer a more comfortable and effective fit.
c. Mindful Listening:
- Lower the Volume: When using headphones or earbuds, follow the 60/60 rule – listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a stretch.
- Opt for Over-the-Ear Headphones: These can be less damaging than in-ear versions because they sit a little farther from the eardrum.
d. Keep Ears Dry:
Excess moisture can encourage bacterial growth in the ear canal. Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering.
e. Refrain from Inserting Objects into the Ear:
Cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects can damage the ear canal and eardrum or push earwax further in, potentially causing blockages or infections.
f. Address Health Conditions:
Manage underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or any other illnesses that might impact hearing. Regular check-ups and medication compliance are crucial.
g. Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
- No Smoking: Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke can reduce the risk of hearing loss.
- Balanced Diet: Foods rich in magnesium, potassium, folic acid, and zinc can support hearing health. This includes bananas, potatoes, spinach, and broccoli, among others.
h. Medication Awareness:
Be informed about the potential ototoxic effects of certain medications. If you’re prescribed a new medication, ask your doctor about any potential hearing risks.
i. Limit Exposure to Ototoxic Chemicals:
Using protective gear in industrial or high-risk settings and ensuring good ventilation can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
Prevention is the bedrock of lasting health. A proactive approach, combined with awareness and regular monitoring, can ensure that seniors maintain the best possible hearing health.