According to John Hopkins Medicine, it’s estimated that one in three adults over sixty-five deal with hearing loss. Though there are different types of hearing loss that can affect older adults, the most common type tends to be conductive hearing loss.
Unfortunately, because this type of hearing loss is gradual, it can be hard to determine if one has it.
So what are some of the causes of conductive hearing loss in seniors? And what are your treatment options? In this hearing restoration guide, we’ll answer these questions so you can get the help you need to start hearing again.
Understanding Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when ear blockage prevents sound waves from traveling through the outer or middle ear. The parts responsible for transmitting sound to the inner ear include:
- Outer ear
- Ear canal
- Eardrum
- Middle ear bones
These parts then send signals to the brain. Any disruption in this pathway can cause a reduction in hearing. Unlike other types of hearing impairment types, which usually involve damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, conductive hearing loss is usually reversible with the right treatment.
For seniors, CHL may be due to a variety of reasons, and understanding the underlying causes is the first step in managing the condition.
Common Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss in Seniors
Several factors contribute to conductive hearing loss, many of which are treatable with medical intervention or simple lifestyle changes. Understanding these causes is essential for recognizing the symptoms early and seeking the appropriate care.
One of the most common causes of CHL in seniors is earwax buildup. Over time, earwax can accumulate and harden in the ear canal, blocking sound from reaching the eardrum. Regular cleaning by a healthcare professional can resolve this issue, ensuring clearer hearing.
Ear infections, such as otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis externa (outer ear infection), can also lead to hearing loss. These infections often cause fluid buildup or swelling, which interferes with sound transmission. With timely treatment, which may involve antibiotics or ear drops, hearing is typically restored.
Otosclerosis, a condition in which abnormal bone growth in the middle ear prevents the stapes bone from vibrating properly, is another cause of CHL in older adults. This condition can be diagnosed with a hearing test and, in many cases, treated through surgery to replace or repair the affected bone.
Other causes of conductive hearing loss include a perforated eardrum, fluid buildup in the middle ear, or even the presence of foreign objects.
Diagnosis of Conductive Hearing Loss
If a senior is experiencing hearing difficulties, a visit to a healthcare provider is essential for an accurate diagnosis. The first step typically involves a physical examination, where an ear specialist or audiologist will inspect the ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope.
To assess the hearing loss more precisely, the audiologist may perform tests such as audiometry, which measures the ability to hear different sounds at varying volumes, and tympanometry, which evaluates the function of the eardrum and middle ear.
It’s crucial for seniors to get regular check-ups to ensure that hearing loss is diagnosed early, as untreated hearing loss can impact:
- Communication
- Socialization
- Quality of life
Treatment Options for Conductive Hearing Loss
Treatment for conductive hearing loss depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In many cases, the treatment options are straightforward and can significantly improve a senior’s hearing.
For earwax buildup, a simple professional cleaning can resolve the issue. It’s important for seniors to avoid inserting objects into their ears, as this can push the wax further in and cause more harm.
If an ear infection is the culprit, antibiotics or ear drops may be prescribed to clear the infection and reduce swelling. In cases where fluid buildup in the middle ear is the problem, a procedure to drain the fluid may be required.
For seniors with otosclerosis, surgery to repair or replace the affected bone can improve hearing. This procedure, called a stapedectomy, has a high success rate and can restore normal hearing.
For those who experience persistent hearing loss, hearing aids can be a helpful tool. Bone conduction hearing aids, which bypass the outer and middle ear to transmit sound directly to the inner ear, are particularly beneficial for conductive hearing loss.
The Role of Retirement Communities in Supporting Seniors with Hearing Loss
As seniors experience hearing loss, retirement communities can play a significant role in enhancing their quality of life. Many communities are designed to accommodate the needs of residents with hearing impairments, offering senior living options where seniors can thrive despite their hearing challenges.
In retirement communities, hearing-friendly environments can be created by minimizing background noise in common areas and ensuring that communication spaces are well-lit and accessible.
Social engagement is another critical component of retirement community life. Seniors with hearing loss can face social isolation, but by offering a variety of social activities and opportunities to interact with others, retirement communities help combat feelings of loneliness.
Just make sure you visit the retirement community so you can tell if it’s right for you. Pay attention to the other seniors and try a sample dining menu to see if you like the food.
Preventative Measures and Long-Term Care
For seniors, preventing further hearing loss is just as important as treatment. Regular ear check-ups, avoiding exposure to loud noises, and practicing good ear hygiene are key to maintaining hearing health. Seniors should also be mindful of early symptoms of hearing loss and seek help promptly when senior auditory issues arise.
In retirement communities, these preventative measures are often integrated into the care provided, ensuring that seniors receive the attention they need to safeguard their hearing health for the long term.
Need Help With Daily Living? Visit Morada Lawton
We hope this audiology services guide helped you learn more about conductive hearing loss for seniors. Here at Morada, our years of experience means we’ve perfected accommodation strategies for our residents.
That means that if you need assistance with your hearing loss, we’re here to help you. So, if you want to learn more about why our community is the perfect fit for you, visit us today.
