The Good Life
How to prevent hearing impairment in Elderly People
3 min read
•
May 5, 2022
Table of contents
Hearing loss is one of the most common issues among the elderly. People with hearing loss find it difficult to communicate with friends and family. They may also have trouble understanding a doctor’s advice, responding to warnings, hearing doorbells and alarms. There are a few ways to prevent this hearing loss. Have a read below to know more.
1. First, Learn About the Symptoms
The most common symptoms associated with hearing loss include:
- Ringing in the ears
- Pain in one or both ears
- Fullness in the ears
- Have trouble hearing in person or over the telephone
- Need to turn up the TV volume so loud that others complain
- Feeling that others seem to mumble
If you recognize any of the above symptoms, consult a doctor immediately to discuss the treatment options.
2. Avoid Too Much Noise
Stay away from loud and persistent noises that could damage your inner ear. Reduce the noise in your life by turning down the volume on the stereo, TV, car radio--and especially when using personal listening devices like headphones or earbuds.
Always wear ear protection devices when involved in other loud engaging activities and sports and be extra cautious in workplaces where prolonged exposure to loud noises is common.
3. Maintain Proper Hygiene
Do not insert a cotton swab, or any other object in your ear to remove the earwax. Also, avoid scratching your ear. Instead, use at-home irrigation kits to keep your ear clean. These kits soften the wax and make it easier to remove. But if earwax is causing you severe problems, do consult your doctor urgently.
4. Check Your Diabetes, Blood Pressure, and Cardiac Health
Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can damage the cells in your inner ears. If you have any of these diseases, follow your doctor's treatment orders to get them under control.
5. Have a Healthy Diet Plan, Stop Smoking, and Limit Drinking
Have a healthy diet plan and consume food items that are rich in iron. As per health experts, iron-deficiency anemia is linked to hearing loss - hence plan your diet chart accordingly.
Moreover, studies definitively show that cigarette smoking and alcohol use can have a big impact on a person's hearing health. Hence stop smoking and limit alcohol drinking. It will not only prevent ear loss but will also help you live a healthy and a happy life.
6. Learn Your Family History
While knowing your family history won't directly prevent hearing loss, it will help you know if you're at elevated risk. Controlling it at an early stage can reduce your risk and help you stay fit and healthy.
7. Be Aware of Drugs That Cause Hearing Loss
Hundreds of over-the-counter and prescription drugs are linked to hearing loss. So to stay on the safer side, always consult your doctor before you take an unknown drug, to reduce your risk of drug-related hearing loss.
Preventing hearing loss means being proactive in your approach to hearing health. If you don’t hesitate to have your eyes or teeth checked, it is time to add regular hearing exams to your list of check-ups. Moreover, make a few lifestyle tweaks to promote better hearing health and care. Be proactive and take charge of your health issues, to avoid complications in the future. Please consult your doctor for personalized medical advice.
Stay healthy, Stay happy!
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