Understanding and Protecting Your Hearing Health as You Age
Key Takeaways
- Hearing loss is a common experience as people age.
- Lifestyle factors, such as prolonged exposure to loud noises, a family history of hearing loss, or the use of certain medications, can contribute to the development of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss can sometimes be a natural part of the aging process.
- Some ear health tips to prevent hearing loss include staying active, maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular check-ups, and avoiding exposure to loud noises or environments.
- Solutions for managing hearing loss include investing in assistive listening devices and captioned phones.
Your hearing helps you stay connected with loved ones, enjoy your favorite activities, and navigate the world around you. From the laughter of grandchildren to the melody of your favorite song, the sounds around us help add meaning and fulfillment to our lives. Many of us experience changes in our hearing as the years pass, and it’s natural to have questions about why this happens and what we can do about it.
When you understand how to prevent hearing loss, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your hearing health and continue enjoying the sounds that enrich your life.
What Causes Hearing Loss in Older Adults?
Hearing loss is a common concern for many seniors. Several factors can contribute to this, with the most common being:
The natural aging process
As we get older, the delicate structures in our inner ears may gradually break down. This is a normal part of aging, but it can lead to what doctors call age-related hearing loss.
Exposure to loud noises
Being around loud sounds, whether at work or during leisure activities, can damage our hearing over time. This includes noises from machinery, loud music, or even common household equipment like garbage disposals, blenders, lawnmowers, and leaf or snow blowers.
Family history
Sometimes, our genes play a role in the development of hearing loss. If your parents or grandparents had hearing problems, you might be at higher risk, too.
Certain health conditions
Some illnesses, especially those that cause high fevers like meningitis, can damage the parts of our ears responsible for hearing.
Medications and hearing loss
It’s important to know that some medicines can affect our hearing. While most medications are safe when taken as directed, a few can potentially impact our ears, especially if used for a long time or in high doses.
Protecting Your Hearing Health
Learning how to protect your hearing starts with early awareness. The sooner you notice your hearing is being affected, the sooner you can take the steps to prevent it from having an impact on overall brain function and even your balance.
Be mindful of loud noises
Try to avoid very loud sounds when possible. If you can’t avoid them, use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to protect your ears.
Keep the volume down
When listening to music or watching TV, keep the volume at a comfortable level. If others can hear your headphones, the volume is probably too high.
Take breaks from noise
If you’re in a noisy environment, try to step away for quiet breaks now and then. This gives your ears a chance to rest.
Stay active and eat well
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve blood flow to all parts of your body, including your ears. This can help keep your hearing sharp. Certain supplements, such as vitamins A, C, and E, magnesium, and zinc, may also help protect your hearing health.
Get regular check-ups
Visit an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist every 2-3 years for a comprehensive hearing health check-up. These can help catch any hearing problems early when they’re easier to treat.
Be aware of your medications
Always talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking. If you’re concerned about how a medicine might affect your hearing, don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Signs of Hearing Loss to Watch For
It’s important to recognize the signs of hearing loss. You might be experiencing hearing loss if:
- You often ask people to repeat themselves
- You have a hard time hearing over the phone
- You have trouble hearing in noisy places
- You find it hard to follow conversations involving more than two people
- You think others are always mumbling
- You need to turn up the TV or radio volume higher than before
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can check your hearing and suggest ways to help.
The Importance of Hearing Health
Good hearing is more than just being able to enjoy music or conversation. It helps us feel close to those we love, engage in social activities, and even stay safe by hearing important sounds around us.
Remember, some hearing loss is a normal part of getting older, but knowing how to protect your hearing as you age allows you to take simple steps to maintain your hearing health for years to come.
If you have concerns about your hearing or how your medications might affect it, don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice, give you ear health tips, and help you make informed decisions about your hearing health.
Taking care of your hearing is an important part of staying healthy and active as you age. With a little awareness and some simple steps, you can help ensure that you continue to enjoy all the sounds life has to offer.
Solutions for Managing Hearing Loss
There are a few effective ways to manage hearing loss and stay connected to the people and activities you enjoy.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are the most common devices for hearing loss. They come in various styles, including behind-the-ear and in-the-ear canal options.
Today’s hearing aids also offer customizable settings to fit your specific needs. Many can also connect to smartphones, tablets, and other devices for added convenience.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices, also known as ALDs, are powerful tools that amplify sounds and reduce background noise, making it easier to hear in noisy environments.
There are three common types of ALDs:
- FM systems: A device that transmits sound to a wearable receiver through radio signals
- Loop systems: Special systems used in theaters and places of worship that improve hearing aid function
- Personal amplifiers: A simple, portable solution for one-on-one conversations or watching television
Captioned Phones
If talking on the phone has become a chore, a captioned phone might be the right tool for you. Specially designed for seniors and those suffering from hearing loss, phones like the ClearCaptions Phone make it easier to catch every word of a conversation.
As the person on the other end of the line speaks, their words appear on a screen attached to the phone in near real-time. This helps to ensure that important details aren’t missed during phone calls with friends, family members, or doctors.
As part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), qualified individuals who are hard of hearing can obtain a ClearCaptions Phone at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about how to prevent hearing loss.
What are the first signs of age-related hearing loss?
Since the signs may be subtle, age-related hearing loss can be easily overlooked. The most common signs include having a hard time hearing in loud environments, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, or feeling like others are mumbling.
If you notice that you’re withdrawing from social situations because you’re embarrassed or frustrated about how difficult it is to hear, it could be a sign of hearing loss.
Is hearing loss reversible?
Depending on the cause, some types of hearing loss are reversible. Hearing loss caused by ear infections, earwax buildup, or fluid in the ear can often be treated and resolved.
Other types of hearing loss, including those caused by genetics, exposure to loud noises, or damage to the inner ear, are not typically reversible. In this case, it’s a good idea to learn how to manage your hearing loss.
Is there a way to improve hearing?
Devices like hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and captioned phones can help improve your ability to hear.
To protect your hearing, maintain a healthy lifestyle by staying active, eating a balanced diet, protecting your ears from loud sounds, and having regular hearing check-ups. Managing medications that affect hearing can also help preserve your hearing health.
