World Hearing Day: Raising Awareness for Senior Hearing Health
March 3rd is a significant day: It's World Hearing Day. This global initiative is dedicated to spreading awareness about auditory health along with hearing loss, including the symptoms.
Since this day focuses on the importance of early detection and hearing protection, different organizations across the world seek to shine a light on auditory health, especially senior ear health.
Hearing loss is often overlooked. It may start as a few small symptoms such as tinnitus or muffled hearing. However, World Hearing Day works to offer guidelines for addressing the health challenges that may contribute to hearing loss and resources for those experiencing auditory-related challenges.
When seniors prioritize their ear health, they can work to retain their independence. This helpful guide explains World Hearing Day and why it's so important, especially for older populations.
Why Seniors Need to Focus on Hearing Protection
Hearing loss is often associated with aging. This may be due to health conditions that affect hearing or may even be noise-induced hearing loss. The specific reasons for a person's hearing loss play a direct role in the type of treatment they receive.
It's also possible for hearing loss to be related to:
- An infection
- Middle ear fluid retention
- Earwax buildup
When seniors work with audiologists to determine the cause of their hearing loss, they can begin receiving the appropriate treatment. This makes it easier for them to engage in conversations and enjoy an active lifestyle.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss in Older Adults
Since there are a variety of causes behind hearing loss, global hearing awareness for seniors includes regular hearing screenings and checkups with their healthcare professionals. Here's how the most common causes affect senior hearing:
Earwax
When there is too much earwax in the ear, it can block soundwaves. This type of hearing loss is typically temporary, which is why early hearing detection is so important.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
This occurs when a person is around loud noises, such as music, power tools, and heavy machinery. When noise-canceling headphones and earplugs are routinely used, they can work to prevent noise-related hearing loss.
Infections
Ear infections can cause hearing loss. This is due to inflammation in the ears and a buildup of fluid. From there, a person's hearing is affected.
Medical Conditions
This is another cause of hearing loss, and it requires a trip to the doctor or an audiologist so they can rule out other health conditions and provide the appropriate treatment.
Medication
Certain types of medication can cause hearing loss or other auditory-related issues. You should always speak with a physician in this instance.
Different Types of Hearing Loss
There are two primary types of hearing loss that World Hearing Day works to showcase: conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss is typically caused by earwax buildup, middle ear fluid, and a ruptured eardrum which may be caused by ear infections. With medical treatment and other types of treatment or medical procedures, conductive hearing loss can be reversed, making early hearing detection that much more important.
Sensorineural hearing loss is typically related to age. It occurs when the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged. The auditory nerve pathway may also have sustained damage.
This type of hearing loss is usually permanent. However, there are options available, such as cochlear implants or hearing aids.
It's also possible for some people to experience a mix of both types of hearing loss.
How World Hearing Day Helps Seniors
By raising awareness for hearing health, World Hearing Day works to help seniors. Here are some ways this important day helps the elderly.
Social Isolation
Seniors face social isolation, especially if they struggle with hearing. But World Hearing Day shines a light on how hearing loss impacts senior citizens, especially in a social situation.
Since seniors with hearing loss struggle to communicate effectively, they can experience feelings of frustration and exclusion. They may also feel lonely. When an elderly adult's loved ones familiarize themselves with hearing loss and its symptoms, they can help older adults who may be affected.
Cognitive Implications
Cognitive implications are another aspect of what happens when hearing loss goes untreated. Since seniors with hearing loss have an increased chance of developing conditions like dementia, it's more important than ever to focus on senior ear health.
By investing in assistive technologies for hearing decline, seniors can take proactive measures to protect their cognitive health. Whether it's routine hearing tests or visiting an audiologist at the first sign of hearing loss, seniors should always focus on early hearing detection.
Community Engagement and Awareness
Through a variety of activities and events, World Hearing Day works to engage communities across the world. These events work to promote hearing health for senior citizens.
This includes:
- Educational workshops
- Free hearing screenings
- Outreach programs
When seniors and their families learn about the importance of hearing health and seeking help for any hearing-related issues, communities can work to remove the stigma surrounding auditory impairments. This empowers people to advocate for their health.
Access to Assistive Technologies
World Hearing Day showcases the importance of assisted technologies, including hearing aids and other assisted listening devices. Unfortunately, not all older adults know that these devices are available or may struggle to afford them.
When family members identify that seniors struggle with hearing loss, they can collaboratively work to find solutions for these older adults, helping them access the appropriate devices for auditory health and to live an active senior lifestyle.
The Importance of World Hearing Day
World Hearing Day is an excellent reminder of the importance of ear health and hearing tests. When routine hearing exams, early intervention, and community awareness all come together, it's easier to help older adults retain their independence and quality of life.
This is especially important for older adults in senior living communities as they interact with other residents. Hearing aids make it easier for them to engage in different activities and events and to enjoy the world around them.
Discovery Commons Raincross offers seniors everything they need in Riverside, CA, senior living. We offer a variety of floor plans to meet your individual needs and pride ourselves on our exclusive programs, such as dining, activities and events, health and fitness, and more. Contact us today to learn more about what we have to offer!