As we get older, many aspects of physical and mental health become more challenging to manage. A good example is hearing loss, which is incredibly common among people over 60. A significant portion of the senior population just accepts hearing loss as a natural part of aging.
While heredity can play a role in hearing loss, several healthy lifestyle practices can help minimize risk and hearing damage.
How Does Hearing Loss Occur?
Hearing loss can occur at any age, but it is more common in older adults. Many factors, such as repeated exposure to loud noise, genetics, age, medications, poor nutrition, and overall health, can be involved.
Repeated Noise Exposure
One of the most prevalent causes of hearing loss is recurring exposure to loud sounds. People who work in noisy environments or live in areas with constant loud noise are at greater risk of hearing damage. Noise exposure can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, which help carry sound messages to the brain. Damage to these hair cells in the cochlea is irreversible, so it is highly recommended to protect your ears before it is too late.
Genetics
Heredity can also be a factor in hearing loss. If your parents have experienced hearing loss, the chance is greater it may happen to you as well. Genetic hearing loss can be evident at birth or may not manifest until later in life.
Age-Related Hearing Loss
Also known as presbycusis, age-related hearing loss occurs gradually. As the structure of the inner ear changes with age, it can affect hearing ability. Damage or loss of cochlear hair cells can also contribute to age-related hearing loss.
Medications
Certain medications may have a detrimental effect on hearing. These are known as ototoxic medicines and can cause damage to the hair cells in the cochlea. This is another increased risk factor for seniors, who are often taking multiple medications simultaneously to combat a variety of health issues.
Nutrition
It is no secret that a healthy diet is a major contributor to overall health. Again, this becomes even more crucial with age. Daily nutrition is extremely important for seniors’ overall health. Poor nutrition can result in reduced blood flow, so not only is less blood getting to the body’s cells, but it is also less rich in essential nutrients.
Lifestyle Practices for Seniors to Help Prevent Hearing Loss
While age-related hearing loss may not be entirely preventable, there are several approaches that can be taken to minimize the risk. Some helpful lifestyle practices include:
- Regular exams by a hearing professional
- Avoiding loud noises as much as possible
- Monitor volume on personal devices, TV, and radio
- Prevent prolonged exposure to environmental noise pollution
- Wear ear protection in noisy environments, such as earplugs, earmuffs, and noise-cancelling headphones
- Keep ears clean using proper technique
- Avoid using cotton swabs to remove earwax, as it often just pushes the build-up farther in the ear
- If you feel you have earwax accumulation, it is best removed by a healthcare professional
- Be aware of medication side effects
- Some medications can affect hearing
- Seek treatment for existing medical conditions
- Some health issues, like high blood pressure, diabetes, circulatory problems, and cardiovascular disease, can impact hearing
- Wear hearing aids
- Hearing aids are an extremely effective way to accommodate hearing loss and prevent the situation from getting worse
- Engage in healthy lifestyle routines
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients, get regular exercise, stay social, and get plenty of sleep
