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It is very common for older adults to start losing some of their hearing function. It is an unfortunate by-product of the aging process.
Understanding the symptoms of hearing loss, and then some preventative measures can help keep you or your loved one listening to the beautiful world around them.
Let’s look at how to prevent hearing loss and then some treatment options for those who have already experienced it.
Hearing Loss Symptoms
The first sign of hearing loss is when someone consistently asks for things to be repeated. This is especially true when in a social setting with several people around and other outside noises.
Another symptom is when devices are turned up past normal listening range. If the volume on the TV or phone keeps going up, then the hearing function is going down.
Confusion is often another sign of poor hearing. When someone can’t understand what is being said, whether at a family gathering or even a doctor visit, confusion can set in quickly.
How to Prevent Hearing Loss
While some hearing loss may be inevitable in the aging process, there are still a few things everyone can do to slow it down. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Avoid Loud Noises
To preserve good hearing for as long as possible, one needs to protect themselves from loud noises. Keep the volume level down on your TV, phone and other devices.
When the volume can’t be controlled, then ear protection should be worn as hearing loss prevention.
Maintain Good Heart Health
Issues with high blood pressure and cholesterol effect the process of sound waves and hearing. Diabetes will also damage cells located in the inner ear that increase hearing loss.
Follow your doctor’s advice and medication recommendations to keep these conditions under control.
Eliminate Excess Ear Wax
Excess ear wax can also clog the ear canal and affect hearing. Removing this wax is necessary to keep the sound flowing.
Never stick anything in your ear to remove the wax. This should always be done safely or with the help of a doctor.
No Smoking and Limit Alcohol Use
Cigarette smoke is harmful to so many functions of the body, and hearing is one of them. Drinking heavily can also have a negative impact.
Keeping a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, proper vitamins, and stress reduction will help maintain your hearing as you age.
Regular Hearing Checks
Even if you think your hearing is fine, one should also get regular hearing checks. Small changes can occur over time that may not be noticed at first.
Your doctor can detect the first symptoms of hearing loss and together work out a plan to keep it from getting worse.
Hearing Loss Treatment
Even with all the right steps, sometimes hearing loss is just a part of life. The good news is, though, there are things that can help.
Maybe you are wondering do you need a hearing aid. If you are considering one, don’t be embarrassed. There are many behind the ear hearing aid options available with one that will work for you. One of the top companies that offer digital BTE hearing aids online directly to consumers is Blue Angels Hearing.
Hear the World
Getting older may result in hearing loss, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still hear the world. Use precautions, know the signs, and then take the steps to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
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