One of the important senses for each and everyone in their lifetime is hearing and only a few of us understand the importance of it and try to take the necessary health precautions to protect our ears. The world health organization (WHO) creates an awareness campaign to provide information about hearing loss and how to prevent it. As per WHO analytics, 6.3% of Indians are suffering from auditory loss. With the theme of ‘hearing loss prevention through safe listening’, let us learn the basics to protect our ears from a young age, to avoid the consequences of hearing loss in old age. So, make a promise to check your hearing now.
“Deafness separates people from people”
Yes, sometimes people can’t see your loss. You heard me correctly, the hearing loss.
Elders may think that they are having sudden hearing loss when they grow old. But practically, it doesn’t. Hearing loss in seniors occurs gradually when they start growing older.
It shows that early-stage diagnosis will resolve the hearing problem.
How do we hear?
The auditory nerve will carry sound signals to the brain then transfer the signal into understandable meaning. Whenever these nerve cells are damaged hearing loss occurs.
What causes hearing loss?
There are several causes for hearing loss and some of them are described below.
Noise pollution
The repeated and prolonged exposure to loud noise will result in hearing loss. Moreover, construction noises and loud environments are vulnerable for the elderly and can affect them easily. To prevent it, use earplugs in loud noise areas.
Intake of medicines
You may be surprised, how taking medicines can cause hearing loss. Long-term consumption of certain drugs and medicines will result in loss of hearing. So, while taking medicines consult your doctor about the dosage and intake methods.
Hereditary
As we all know, hereditary is one of the main reasons for certain diseases. Hearing loss will also fall under this category. This case can start from childhood and get severe during the elderly phase. Moreover, it causes dementia in seniors which leads to difficulty in communication and depression.
Aging
As people age, they might undergo the process of degeneration in their inner ears. This is one of the alarming signals for hearing loss.
Apart from this, internal health problems can also cause a hearing issue.
- Diabetes
- Improper blood flow
- Unhealthy food habits
Symptoms of hearing loss
- Hard to understand the conversation
- Unable to hear low voices
- Noisy in the ears
Suppose you are struggling with any of the above symptoms, make an appointment to talk with your doctor.
Is it curable?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for hearing loss. Exactly, here the senior living fear exists. But we have a chance to improve the quality of sound that we are hearing. Hearing aids will help you to hear better.
Today’s hearing aids are well comfortable with several qualities. They are
- Invisible behind your ears
- Suitable for all environment
- Reduces noise
- Wireless usage
Hearing loss prevention
All types of hearing loss are not preventable. However, adapting to a better lifestyle will promote less risk of hearing loss.
- Manage your cardiac activity
- Follow a good diet
- Reduce stress level
- Avoid noisy environment
- Use hearing protection devices
When to diagnose?
Once you feel the symptoms of hearing loss then that’s the right time you have to consult your doctor. The diagnosis may include,
- Physical examination
- Hearing test
- Audiometer test
Treatments may be one of the following techniques,
- Hearing aids
- Surgery
- Ear implants
Caring services for hearing loss
Hearing-impaired people need special care and attention because their quality of living gets more complicated once they witness it. However, there are many organizations and community workers who provide hands to make their life better. In this time of the pandemic, it might be scary for your seniors to go out to a hospital or a clinic to get a check-up done. There are several home-care services in Chennai to help. Being a solution finder to the geriatric community, Athulya Home Health care offers Doctor visits at home, which will enable your seniors to get the check-up done safely and comfortably.
What does home care offer?
- Medical care
- Nursing
- Doctor care
- Home assistance
- Therapy works
Finally,
Hearing loss is incurable, however, there are several supporting techniques available to overcome it. Follow a regular diet, good health habits, and reach your doctor once you experience any symptoms.
FAQs:
- What are the signs of hearing loss?
Symptoms may include struggle in hearing, buzzing in ears, and not speaking clearly with others. It may result in depression and alone.
- What is tinnitus?
Having ringing sound on the ear due to internal problems. It changes the tune of hearing due to an ear infection.
