World Hearing Day happens on the 3rd of March, and it’s the perfect time to raise awareness about hearing loss. According to the NIH, 22% of adults over the age of 65 have some sort of hearing loss, so you needn’t feel alone if you are worried.

In this guide, we’ll explain a bit more about the types of hearing loss you may experience in your senior years, the symptoms to watch for, and what you can do to support either yourself or a loved one.

Hearing Health Awareness: Why Matters in Your Senior Years

Hearing is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of our health. Being able to listen to sounds around us is essential for our safety and our overall well-being. But as we age, hearing can become more of a challenge.

There are changes inside the ears that happen when we get older. Plus, hazards we are exposed to throughout life, like loud noises, can impact the quality of our hearing.

Untreated hearing loss can make a person feel isolated, contribute to cognitive decline, and create a risk of falls and other hazards. That’s why it’s essential to have regular checkups so that issues can be addressed through readily available solutions like hearing aids.

Hearing Loss Prevention and Causes

There are many reasons why your hearing might get worse as you age. Here are some of the leading causes:

Age-Related Hearing Loss

Aging changes our hearing, and as we get older, we can find it harder to hear high-frequency sounds.

The loss is a gradual decline, so it may take a while to spot, and sadly, it isn’t reversible. This is one reason why regular checkups are essential: early loss can be addressed with the support of hearing aids.

Loud Noises

If you have been exposed to loud noises at some point in your life, this can cause long-term damage to your hearing. It can be a risk for those who work in noisy environments like factories or those who spend lots of time attending loud music concerts. Ear protection in noisy environments is vital to protect against hearing loss.

Ear Infections

An ear infection can cause temporary hearing loss. If your loss is sudden, it’s worth speaking to your healthcare practitioner to rule this out. Likewise, a build-up of ear wax can interfere with hearing.

Medication

Some medications for conditions like hypertension and diabetes can come with side effects, including hearing loss. Always read the labels on any medication you take, and speak to your healthcare provider about any worries.

Signs of Hearing Loss

It’s not always obvious that you are suffering from hearing loss. However, there are a few warning signs that warrant a visit to your healthcare professional. Here are some of the most common signs of hearing loss:

• You have trouble following a group conversation
• You have trouble listening to what someone is saying in a noisy environment
• You regularly ask people to speak up or repeat themselves
• Friends and family comment that you have the TV volume on loud
• Friends and family comment that you have your phone volume set to loud
• You have persistent ringing or buzzing in your ear
• Voices sound muffled on the phone
• You sometimes avoid social situations where you’ll be in a noisy environment
• You struggle to hear high-pitched sounds like bird song

It’s easy to assume that hearing issues are regular, especially since we live in a noisy world. Nevertheless, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and get your worries checked with your doctor or via a hearing test.

Untreated Hearing Loss: The Impact on Your Well-Being

Ignoring hearing loss can be a risk to your well-being. If you are concerned about a loved one’s hearing, it’s worth remembering that early treatment is better in the long run.

Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, withdrawal from loved ones, and frustration in everyday life. It can impact a person’s self-esteem.

Additionally, some hearing loss conditions can create a problem with balance, which can increase the risk of falls.

Solutions and Ear Care Initiatives for Hearing Loss

Hearing loss might come as a worry to some people. Still, it’s important to remember that nowadays, there are some excellent, discreet solutions that can enhance your hearing, help restore confidence, and improve your quality of life.

Common aids and treatments include:

• BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids
• CIC (completely-in-canal) hearing aids
• Listening devices like amplified phones
• TV listening systems
• Personal sound amplifiers
• Cochlear implants

Always take the time to speak to a hearing specialist. They can walk you through the options and explain the pros and cons of each treatment or aid.

Senior Auditory Care: Arranging Regular Screening

Screening for hearing loss is the first and most crucial step to hearing health and well-being.

You should aim to schedule a hearing check once a year or more frequently if you spot any symptoms. If you are arranging tests for a loved one, talk to them about the importance of regular checkups and ensure you add appointments to your schedule.

It’s also worthwhile to keep a log of any hearing difficulties before you see a specialist. That information can be helpful to assess any changes since the last appointment.

Hearing Support in Assisted Living

If you are a resident of a senior living community in Nacogdoches or plan to move to one, make sure hearing support is part of your care plan. Support teams can accommodate hearing problems with some practical steps, like reducing background noise and providing assistive listening devices.

Make sure you speak to the care team about hearing screenings so that they are on your appointment calendar for the year.

World Hearing Day: Putting Your Well-Being First

Global health campaigns like World Hearing Day are a reminder that your health and well-being are about more than eating nutritious food and exercising. How you feel also depends on your hearing health; regular screening is crucial.

If you are seeking assisted living for seniors in Nacogdoches, TX, look for a community that can support you with all your health and well-being needs, including hearing loss. Discover the many reasons why residents love our Meadowview Place Assisted Living community — from our caring, experienced team to our beautiful environment. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community.