With age, the hair cells in the ears begin to break down, preventing them from picking up sound vibrations as well as they could in the past. Though hearing loss isn’t completely preventable, its severity can be reduced. To preserve your senior loved one’s hearing, use these tips.
Avoid Loud Noise
Seniors can prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) if they avoid noises at or above 85 decibels. Failing to do so can cause damage to the ears. Examples of sources of loud noise include televisions, lawnmowers, radios, and crowded places. If your loved one is frequently exposed to loud noises, encourage him or her to wear protective hearing devices like earplugs. This can preserve hearing and prevent NIHL.
Check Medications
Speak to a doctor to ensure the medications your loved one is taking don’t cause hearing loss. Many of the medications seniors take, such as antibiotics and cancer-fighting drugs, can harm the ears. If alternative prescriptions aren’t possible, ask the doctor if a lower dosage is available for your loved one’s current medications. If your loved one must take the prescribed medications, check his or her hearing and balance before, after, and during treatment.
Caring for an older adult, especially one who is experiencing hearing loss, can be a challenging task. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality in-home care. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Wear Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can boost hearing by amplifying sounds. If your loved one has difficulty hearing certain sounds, hearing aids can carry the sounds from the environment into his or her ears, making them louder. The microphones inside the hearing aids collect these sounds and adjust them based on the wearer’s hearing ability. The amplified signals from the device then convert those sounds and deliver them to the ears through the speakers.
Hearing loss could indicate the onset of an underlying health condition. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Las Vegas families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Schedule Regular Hearing Tests
Having these tests done can lead to early detection of hearing loss. This helps a physician take the necessary steps to preserve your loved one’s hearing and prevent further issues. If your loved one is experiencing some type of hearing loss, a hearing test can help the doctor diagnose it correctly. Hearing loss among seniors is often mistaken for diminished mental capacity, but scheduling hearing tests on a regular basis can prevent this misdiagnosis.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help with transportation to medical appointments and other everyday tasks. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional Las Vegas respite care, Assisting Hands Home Care is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
