Hearing Loss Prevention: Tips to Protect Your Hearing
According to the NIH, around one-third of seniors have hearing loss, and this number only goes up the older you get. While it's not the number one sense you need to get around in life, it can be difficult and disheartening to go without auditory cues. You may even start feeling isolated from the world.
Hearing loss may be inevitable at times, but there are ways to help preserve your hearing and slow the progression. With good senior auditory health, you'll be happier and more independent.
Read on to find great tips on hearing loss prevention.
The Types of Hearing Loss
To start, let's go over the types of hearing loss. By understanding these first, you'll process the hearing protection tips much easier.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss. This happens gradually as you age, and it usually affects both ears equally.
As presbycusis gets worse, it can lead to difficulty understanding speech, especially if you're in noisy environments.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
NIHL can occur if you're constantly exposed to loud sounds.
For example, if you worked in the construction industry and didn't use adequate hearing protection, you might experience NIHL. Or if you frequently went to concerts without hearing protection, NIHL can happen too.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is when you have blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear. This can be due to:
- Earwax buildup
- Infections
- Fluid accumulation
This type of hearing loss can sometimes be reversed with treatment.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
When you damage the inner ear or auditory nerve, this can result in sensorineural hearing loss.
Unfortunately, this type of hearing loss is typically permanent. However, you can manage it with things like hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Mixed Hearing Loss
It's common to have mixed hearing loss. This is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Causes and Risk Factors
Of course, hearing loss can happen as a result of natural wear and tear on the inner ear, as well as from loud noise exposure, such as from:
- Concerts
- Power tools
- Lawnmowers
- Personal music devices
However, there are more causes and risk factors than that. For example, a family history of hearing loss increases your risk.
Or if you have medical conditions (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or high blood pressure), these can contribute to hearing loss. The medications you take for certain medical conditions can damage your hearing too. For instance, there are certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and painkillers that are considered ototoxic medications.
Also, if you have ear infections and wax buildup, they can cause temporary or even permanent hearing impairment.
Ear Care Strategies
Being proactive and preventing hearing damage is key to retaining your auditory senses. Here are our top tips for doing so.
Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises
As part of noise-induced hearing loss prevention, when you're in noisy environments, use earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs. Noise-canceling headphones are also good in loud places since you don't need to raise the volume on your personal audio device.
On that note, follow the 60/60 rule for these devices. Use 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
Maintain Good Ear Health
You may be tempted to clear earwax on your own by using cotton swabs. However, these push earwax deeper and can cause blockages. Instead, use ear drops or see your doctor for safe wax removal.
In addition, keep your ears dry. Moisture can lead to infections, which can then cause hearing problems. If you go swimming, use a towel to dry your ears afterward.
If you still get an ear infection, or experience pain, drainage, or pressure, seek medical attention promptly.
Manage Chronic Health Conditions
Chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your hearing. So make sure to have regular checkups and make lifestyle changes.
Stay active with cardiovascular exercises to improve blood flow to the ears. And ask your doctor about potential hearing-related side effects of your medications to stay aware.
Adopt a Hearing-Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is essential to good health, especially if you have diabetes or hearing issues. Nutrients that support hearing health include:
- Magnesium
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Vitamins C and E
- Zinc
Stay Mentally and Socially Engaged
It may be surprising, but your physical and mental health can impact one another. If your mental health isn't good, then it can make you more susceptible to health issues.
Keep your brain active by doing daily puzzles. And keep up with your social life too, as this can have a significant impact on your quality of life.
Get Regular Hearing Checkups
Every year, get a hearing test done, as early detection allows for timely intervention.
If you notice muffled sounds, ringing, or difficulty hearing in noisy areas, then see an audiologist even sooner. They can assess your hearing and recommend solutions.
For example, they may fit you with hearing aids that are discreet and improve communications. Plus, they can help you get assistive listening devices, such as:
- TV amplifiers
- Phone amplifiers
- Hearing loop systems
Other Early Intervention Tips
It's important to practice good communication habits. This allows you to make up for auditory deficits and still have a relatively independent life.
You should face people when talking and have them speak clearly and slowly. If you still find it difficult to hear, then try and reduce all background noises so there are fewer distractions.
Be Proactive About Hearing Loss Prevention
If you aren't already, then you should practice hearing loss prevention. By being proactive, you can protect your hearing and enjoy better communication with your loved ones. In addition, you'll maintain your social life and look after your overall well-being.
So if you notice hearing difficulties, don't hesitate to get early intervention. Doing so is key to maintaining a high quality of life and retaining what hearing you have left.
Get in touch with us now if you'd like to get into assisted living in Muscatine, Iowa. Addington Place of Muscatine has resort-like amenities, including an on-site chef.