A Hearing Aid Specialist’s Tips for Preserving Your Hearing as You Grow Older
- April 17, 2024
Maintaining your hearing health is important at any stage of life, but as we get older, it becomes more pressing. Age-related hearing loss is one of the most common types, so it’s vital to be aware of how your auditory health changes as you move into your second act. It affects every part of your life and health, including cognitive function – but with the right team of hearing aid specialists on your side, it doesn’t have to stop you from living your best life.
Understanding Age-Related Hearing Loss
About 15% of American adults experience some level of hearing difficulties, but that number rises to around a third over the age of 65. Why do we experience this deterioration when we hit retirement age? It can be genetic, but outside causes can have an impact, too – like a lifetime of noise exposure, certain me nofollowdical conditions, or medication side effects. Sometimes, it’s due to changes in the structure of your ear over time.
Moreover, as we age, we usually start taking more medication, some of which can have serious side effects. While the medicine in question might be necessary for managing another condition, if hearing loss is a known potential side effect, it’s a good idea to work with a certified hearing aid specialist or audiologist if you experience even slight changes. Some diseases associated with aging, like diabetes or hypertension, can damage the inner ear.
Practical Tips to Preserve Your Hearing
As hearing aid specialists, we are often asked how to prevent hearing loss or slow its progression. Here are some tips to get started.
Turn Down the Volume
If you only take one tip away from this article, let it be noise protection! Excessive noise is the most common cause of acquired hearing loss. Remember, anything noisier than a washing machine is loud enough to cause damage. Avoid playing music at very high volume, especially through headphones or earphones.
When you’re in a very loud environment, move as far away from the sound as possible – for example, at a concert, don’t sit near the speakers. If you work in a very noisy environment, it is imperative that you wear proper ear protection consistently, as mandated by OSHA.
Take Good Care
Your hearing health is connected to your overall health, so developing good diet and exercise habits can help protect your ears. Getting the right nutrition sets your body up for success on many levels. Regular exercise also helps improve the flow of oxygen-rich blood to every extremity, ensuring that your hair cells have everything they need to work their best. Upper respiratory infections – particularly in the sinuses – can impact your ears, so try not to delay seeking care.
Connect With a Specialist
Finally, seeking professional support if you experience any auditory changes is essential. An audiologist can conduct a thorough assessment, getting a complete picture of what’s going on. They can then empower you with strategies and tools – like hearing aids and other accessories – to preserve and augment as needed.
Care & Support From Your Local Hearing Aid Specialists
Age-related auditory loss doesn’t have to be a source of fear. By taking a proactive approach, you can lower your risk and put yourself in a good position to manage any changes as they arise. Working with a certified hearing aid specialist, you can access care and cutting-edge supportive technology. This can be a game changer for even mild loss, allowing you to maintain a happy, healthy, and active life into your golden years.
No matter your age or stage, you can rely on compassionate care from your dedicated, experienced hearing aid specialist at HearWell Services. Our range of hearing aid devices and accessories has been curated to suit every lifestyle and budget. Browse our selection on our website or schedule a consultation or fitting.