Your ears are involved in two roles, hearing and balance. We will discuss balance at another time. Hearing loss is a common problem as we age, yet the majority of people with hearing loss do not use any specific strategies to manage it. Lets look at some of the issues and how it is possible to minimise and manage them, including the use of technology.
Age Related Hearing Loss
With ageing, structures and their functions in the ear can gradually deteriorate. Age related hearing loss usually affects both ears. Often the ability to hear high frequency sound declines. The older person can find background noise can affect understanding of speech and ability to communicate. Quality of life and enjoyment of everyday activities can be seriously compromised.
Factors that may contribute to age related hearing loss include;
Smoking
Some medicines
Medical conditions such as diabetes
Impacted ear wax
Minimise age related hearing loss by;
Cut back or even better, quit smoking
Review medications that may affect ear structures
Manage medical conditions such as diabetes
Impacted ear wax can be diagnosed and removed by your health care provider. Do not encourage a person to put anything in their ears to clean them (such as cotton tip applicators). Visit your health care provider every 6-12 months for an ear health check up and cleaning if required.
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