As adults get older, they may find themselves increasing the volume on TVs and other electronic devices. They may also have difficulty hearing people speak at a normal volume during a conversation and ask others to speak louder. With age, the tiny hair cells contained within the inner ears deteriorate. When these cells die or malfunction, ears can no longer efficiently detect frequencies, vibrations, and sounds. Although some seniors may experience slight hearing loss, there are ways to protect hearing to prevent further damage.
1. Avoid Loud Noise
If a noise is loud enough to cause two people to shout at each other just to hear one another, it has the potential to damage hearing. Minimize your loved one’s chances of being in these situations for prolonged periods. Examples of harmful noises include lawn mowers, power tools, certain kitchen appliances, stereo speakers, and motorcycles or other vehicles with little or no muffling.
2. Consider Earplugs
At work or when performing household chores, sometimes it’s inevitable to be around loud noises. However, hearing protection decreases the likelihood of internal ear damage. Simple earplugs, earmuffs, and headphones are readily available and reduce noise by anywhere from 15 to 30 decibels. Seniors can gain greater benefits by wearing earplugs and earmuffs together.
3. Quit Smoking
Smokers are 70 percent more likely to experience hearing loss. The carbon monoxide and nicotine in tobacco products constrict blood vessels, which deprives cochlear hair cells of much-needed oxygen. Nicotine also interferes with the neurotransmitters released in the auditory nerve, which in turn interferes with brain communication. Smoking also encourages the release of free radicals, which hasten the aging process and damage hair cells and tissues in the ears.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Richmond seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
4. Remove Earwax Properly
Earwax may build up and muffle sounds. Although using cotton swabs remains a common way to clean ears, the act can push wax deeper into the ear. Irrigation kits soften earwax and gently flush the substance from the ears. Kits are available for home use, or earwax removal can be done in a physician’s office.
Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of in-Home Care Richmond. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
5. Evaluate Medications
Approximately 200 medications list hearing loss as a possible adverse side effect. The long list of medications includes certain antibiotics and cancer-fighting formulations. Common aspirin has the potential to cause hearing damage if taken in high enough doses. If your loved one complains of hearing difficulty or you notice a problem, review his or her medications with a physician.
6. Get a Hearing Test
A hearing test is warranted if your loved one has difficulty hearing normal speech, experiences ringing in one or both ears, is frequently around loud noises, or has a family history of hearing loss. If the test presents less than conclusive results, your loved one may need further evaluation to find the cause and receive treatment.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Henrico senior home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Call us today at (804) 600-0002 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
