Many people underestimate the importance of your hearing. However, healthy hearing helps us listen and respond to others, fostering healthy relationships and increasing our ability to socialize and stay active. This becomes increasingly important as we age. Presbycusis, also known as age related hearing loss, occurs due to changes in our ears. While 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 are affected and half of those over 75—there are ways to lower your risk of hearing loss, so you can hear clear and healthy for years into your golden years. Here are a few healthy habits to support hearing health:
Wear ear protection
Many people mistake the need for hearing protection for when working a noisy job or while mowing the lawn. However, there are so many sounds that we encounter in our daily lives which over time can be loud enough to contribute to permanent hearing damage. The loudness of sound is measured in decibels and any decibel level over 85 dBA can damage your hearing. It takes about 8 hours of constant exposure at 85 dBA for damage to occur, but that time quickly shrinks as the volume creeps up. At 95 dBA, the sound of highway traffic with an open window can cause damage after less than an hour. Know the decibel levels around you. You can download an app on most smart devices which can measure the average volume level in the places you frequent most. Be sure to carry hearing protection with you in case you encounter a situation where your hearing may be at risk!
Be aware of comorbidities
As we age it’s important to pay attention to our entire health. One issue may certainly affect others. For instance, chronic conditions common with age, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease can increase the risk of hearing loss. The connection with many of these conditions and your hearing is in the way your blood delivery is affected. Any health condition which can affect your blood, whether it limits or constricts blood cells can deprive oxygen rich blood to the cells of the inner ear. Within the inner ear are tiny hair-like cells called stereocilia which are the sole delivery system for audio information to reach the brain. When the stereocilia don’t receive the nutrients, they need they are more prone to damage or destruction, leaving behind permanent hearing loss. Make sure to manage your total health in order to stay hearing clear as well!
Mind your earwax
Most of us don’t pay too much attention to our earwax however it plays an important role in protecting from inner ear infections and moving dirt and debris from out of the inner ear. Did you know that your ear wax changes as you age? It’s common for earwax to become drier and harder as we age leading to issues with buildup and blockages which can impact hearing.
It’s important to avoid sticking anything into your ear as it could actually increase the risk of blockages or inner ear damage. Instead, after a warm shower, wipe away earwax from your outer ear. Try loosening it with a drop or two of mineral oil 15 minutes before.
Be Aware of Tinnitus
Have you noticed a ringing in your ears which has seemed to become worse as you’ve aged? This is tinnitus and it often becomes more pronounced as we age. The American Tinnitus Association reports that the “vast majority” of tinnitus cases are caused by damage to the inner ear. 90 percent of those who have tinnitus also have hearing loss. If your tinnitus has gotten worse, it means it’s time to have your hearing checked.
Get regular screenings
Because hearing loss is more common as we age, it’s important to screen for it regularly. By the age of 60 you should be attending regular screenings at least biannually. Your hearing healthcare professional will not only test the extent of your hearing ability but inspect your ears for earwax build up and interview you about your lifestyle to detect any activates which may further a risk of hearing loss. If a hearing loss is detected, we can help you find the best solution to support your hearing for years to come! Schedule a hearing exam with us today!