Protecting and preserving your hearing is important at any age, but especially as a senior adult. Hearing is central to the way we interact with others. It’s common to assume hearing loss as we age is a natural part of the process. However, hearing loss can be effectively prevented and managed if the signs are recognized and treated.
What Causes Hearing Loss
It’s important to understand how hearing loss can be caused by multiple factors, including health, lifestyle, and genetics. The most common causes of hearing loss as we age are:
- Natural hearing loss, known as presbycusis
- Exposure to loud noises over an extended period of time, such as construction, machinery, or music
- Certain chronic medical conditions such as severe ear infections, diabetes, and high blood pressure
If left untreated, hearing loss can cause numerous other issues for older adults, such as cognitive decline, communication difficulties, and reduced quality of life.
Helpful tip: Don’t forget to regularly schedule hearing exams — for adults aged 55 and older, it’s recommended to have a hearing exam once a year.
Understanding the Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can present itself in multiple ways and it’s important to understand the signs. The more you begin to recognize the signs of hearing loss, the sooner you can preserve and manage your hearing. Typically, signs of hearing loss in seniors can present as:
- Withdrawing from social situations, conversations, and group activities that involve engaging with others
- Difficulty following conversations and frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Easily misinterpreting words or sentences and complaining of things sounding muffled
- Needing the television or phone volume to be louder than usual
- Complaining of ringing or buzzing in ears, also known as tinnitus
- Increasing signs of emotional distress and isolation, especially in group environments
If you are worried you or your loved one is experiencing hearing loss, consult with an audiologist or hearing health professional sooner rather than later. Hearing loss greatly affects people’s lives as the ability to understand sounds, speech, and engage socially can diminish as the condition progresses.
Habits to Help Protect Your Hearing
Reduce Exposure to Loud Noise
While it may seem obvious, reducing loud noise is one of the most effective ways to prevent hearing damage. Common ways to reduce noise and protect hearing are:
- Turning down the volume when using earbuds or headphones
- Use hearing protection, like ear plugs, when attending loud concerts or working in loud environments
- If you are constantly exposed to noise, take frequent breaks away from the noise in a quiet place
Address Health Concerns Early On
Make sure you are prioritizing your health and addressing any health concerns as early as possible. If certain health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are left untreated, they can cause potential hearing damage. Regularly visit your healthcare provider and manage your overall wellbeing with movement, proper diet, and proper medication for any conditions.
Seek Out Assistive Devices
If you or your loved one has hearing loss, assistive devices like hearing aids can significantly improve communication. With technologic advancement, hearing aids are designed to be more discreet than ever while providing advanced sound processing. By being able to hear more clearly, things like quality of life, safety, and overall wellbeing can improve.
Find Resources
If you suspect that you or your loved one may have a hearing problem, don’t be afraid to reach out. Knowing how to find resources about hearing loss and treatment can be difficult. Places like The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center are here to help connect you with the right professionals, programs, and resources to learn more about hearing loss as we age.
Hearing loss can be properly prevented and treated when the right resources and strategies are in place.
At The Ohio Masonic Communities, we’re here to help you confidently age in place. We offer maintenance-free living and engaging amenities in our senior living communities that promote social wellness across our three campuses. Check out our communities – Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina.
We are your number one stop for senior living options. Wherever you are in your journey, we’re here to help. Give us a call at (877) 881-1623, contact us, or check out our Here to Help guides for senior living resources.
