5 Tips for Preventing Hearing Loss

Many of the changes that occur as we age may not be preventable. But did you know that a common problem among older adults, hearing loss, isn't one of them? Many older people and their loved ones expect hearing loss to be inevitable. While it's true that gradual hearing loss isn't uncommon, especially after age 65, there are actions we can take while we're younger to avoid its severity.

Facts about hearing and hearing loss

The National Institutes of Health estimates that one-third of people in the U.S. UU. Between the ages of 65 and 75 they have some hearing loss, and about half of people over 75 have trouble hearing normal sounds. Approximately 40% of the 20 million Americans who have hearing loss are 65 years of age or older.

When sound waves reach the structures of the inner ear, they cause vibrations in the eardrum before traveling through the cochlea. Attached to nerve cells inside the cochlea, there are thousands of tiny hairs that help translate these vibrations into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain.

The medical term for gradual hearing loss that occurs with age is presbycusis. It is caused by the loss of these tiny hair cells that act as sound receptors, and also by damage from free radicals that can clog ear tissues that act as sound amplifiers. Another reason why hearing loss occurs is the build-up of wax in the inner ear. Earwax can block the ear canal and prevent the conduction of sound waves. This type of hearing loss can usually be restored with the removal of earwax.

Since hearing loss can start at any age, prevention measures should start early and become a lifelong habit. Here are 5 of the most important ways to prevent unnecessary hearing loss:

1- Avoid harmful noises: Unfortunately, due to environmental factors, people of all ages are now experiencing hearing loss at younger ages and more rapidly. Reduce the noise in your life by lowering the volume of your stereo, TV, car radio, and especially when using personal listening devices with headphones or headphones. If you use headphones to listen to music, do not increase the volume beyond 50% and never exceed 80%, even for a short period of time.

2- Use proper hygiene: Never stick a cotton swab or other object in your ear to remove wax, or scratch your ear. If earwax causes you problems with your hearing, talk to your doctor about the best way to remove it.

3- Keep medical conditions under control: conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and other circulatory diseases that are not treated properly can lead to hearing loss. The inner parts of the ear are sensitive and delicate, so any circulation problems you have can affect your hearing. Hearing problems are also likely to occur in people who smoke.

4- Talk to your doctor about your medications: Some medications, but not many, can affect your hearing. For example, temporary effects on your hearing may occur if you take large doses of aspirin. Certain types of diuretics can also affect hearing. Because hearing loss is partly genetic, let your doctor know if anyone in your family has trouble hearing.

5- Don't wait to see a doctor: after noise-related ear damage occurs, it cannot be reversed, but further damage can be prevented. If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, have your hearing checked by a professional. If you're genetically predisposed to hearing loss, take precautions right away. There is some evidence that supplements can prevent hearing loss, but always check with your doctor before adding supplements to your diet.

Source: comfortkeepers.com

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