Hearing Loss Prevention: Protecting Your Hearing as You Age
A study published by JAMA Network reveals that 65.3% of seniors aged 71 or older had hearing loss.
As an older adult, you might feel like hearing loss is almost inevitable. You may feel helpless.
Losing your hearing can make conversations difficult and create distance from loved ones. Many people fear missing out on important moments. Struggling to hear laughter, music, or kind words can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that hearing loss prevention is possible. Taking simple steps can protect your ears.
You don't have to accept hearing loss as a part of aging. Read on to learn what you can do.
Avoid Loud Noises
Your ears may suffer long-term harm due to exposure to loud sounds, such as:
- Music
- Machinery
- Traffic
- Construction sites
- Airplanes
If you live in an extremely noisy neighborhood, consider moving. You might want to relocate to an assisted living community. These communities offer quiet, serene environments that protect your ears.
They can help you manage aging and hearing loss, keeping noise levels low and reducing the risk of ear damage. Moving can significantly improve your quality of life and protect your ears from further harm. It's a simple step that can make a big difference in your hearing health as you age.
Lower Volume Levels
As a senior, you may enjoy spending time listening to music or watching television. It's a fun way to pass the time and relax.
However, be careful with the volume level. Sometimes, you might raise the volume to hear better, especially in noisy settings. But keeping the volume too high can harm your ears.
If you find yourself turning up the volume often, consider using headphones or speakers that block out background noise. Noise-canceling headphones are a great option for reducing the need to increase the volume.
Lowering the volume not only helps protect your ears but also improves your listening experience. By taking care of your ears, you support your senior hearing health and ensure you can enjoy your favorite music and shows for years to come.
Stay Active
As a senior, you might struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Aging can slow you down and make exercise feel more difficult.
A sedentary lifestyle can magnify the risk of hearing loss. Luckily, there are simple physical activities you can do, such as:
- Walking around the house
- Stretching
- Light yoga
- Simple strength exercises
- Gardening
Regular movement boosts circulation to your ears, keeping them healthy. Staying active also helps manage weight and reduces the risk of conditions like high blood pressure.
Use Ear Protection
When exposed to loud environments, such as concerts, workshops, or mowing the lawn, ear protection is necessary. Earplugs or earmuffs block harmful sounds from reaching your eardrum. High-quality ear protection lowers the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, especially in unavoidable noisy settings.
Whether working in a loud workshop or enjoying a concert, always wear ear protection. Make it a habit whenever you're in noisy environments.
Over time, ear protection can help prevent long-term damage. It's a simple step that can keep your ears safe. Taking care of your ears today will help you hear better tomorrow.
Get Regular Hearing Tests
As you age, staying on top of your ear health is important. Regular hearing screenings help catch early signs of hearing loss. These tests are quick and painless, allowing you to spot problems before they become severe.
Early intervention is key to preventing further damage. If you start having trouble understanding conversations or notice ringing in your ears, schedule a test. Addressing issues early can stop further decline.
It also makes treatments more effective. The sooner you address any problems, the better the results will be. If left untreated, hearing loss can worsen over time.
Manage Health Conditions
As you age, you may develop health conditions that can impact your ability to hear properly. These might include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Ear infections
- High cholesterol
- Poor circulation
If left untreated, these conditions can lead to hearing problems over time. Regular visits to your healthcare provider are important. Managing these conditions properly ensures good blood flow to your ears.
Proper blood flow helps your ears stay healthy and function well. Addressing underlying health issues can protect your hearing as you age.
Maintain Ear Hygiene
Cleaning your ears regularly prevents earwax buildup, which can affect your ability to hear. It's important to clean your ears gently. Using cotton swabs or other objects can push wax deeper into your ear canal, causing damage.
Instead, use a soft cloth to clean around your ear or a safe ear-cleaning solution. If you notice any ear infection or excessive buildup, see a healthcare professional. They can clean your ears properly and safely.
Taking care of your ears helps preserve your ability to hear. Always keep your ears clean and healthy to prevent problems in the future.
Take Listening Breaks
As a senior, you might spend most of your time indoors listening to music or watching TV shows. You may even do it late at night when you can't sleep.
While it can be relaxing, constant exposure to sound can negatively affect your ears. Taking regular listening breaks is important to protect your ears. You can:
- Read a book
- Take a nap
- Enjoy quiet time
- Do a puzzle
Participating in these activities will give your ears a break. Taking time away from sound is a simple habit that can make a big difference in preserving your ears for the future.
Hearing Loss Prevention: Tips for Seniors Living in Noisy Environments
Hearing loss prevention can be challenging, especially if you live in a noisy environment. Many seniors may find it difficult to control noise at home, especially if family members enjoy loud sounds or music. If the noise is constant, it can make it harder to protect your ears.
One solution could be moving to a quieter home, like an assisted living community. At Discovery Commons Brookfield, we understand the importance of a peaceful, healthy lifestyle.
With over three decades of senior living experience, we offer a variety of amenities that support wellness, from our fitness center to our quiet library. Join us today and thrive in a supportive, peaceful environment.