Last week we talked about the indications and common causes of age-related hearing loss. (Read the full article here) So how can we prevent, or slow down, age-related hearing loss? Here are some ideas:

• Wear earplugs to drown out or soften loud noises at home, work, and play. 
• Get regular checkups. The longer you let ear infections—or other ailments that negatively impact hearing—go untreated, the harder it will be to hear better, even with hearing aids. 
• Keep the sound volume at a safe level when watching TV or listening to music. 
• And don’t smoke.

Determining an appropriate remedy for hearing loss depends on the cause, the extremity of the loss, and your financial situation. Routine maintenance such as removing excess ear wax by ear candling and using ear oil formulas, both easy home remedies available at Freshlife, can be a good start. Hearing aids, Cochlear Implants, and Assisted Living Devices(ALDs), which are amplified sound through technology like TV, telephone, and other personal devices, are used for more extreme hearing loss cases.  

If left untreated, long-term hearing loss can cause complications in understanding information from medical, financial, and legal professionals. It limits the person’s interactions with family, friends, and agencies. The results are isolation, loneliness, and depression. It is even found that you are at more risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s with uncorrected hearing loss. It can cause you to be less motivated to keep appointments like medical follow-ups because of fear and embarrassment. You may also find yourself in compromised safety if you cannot hear smoke alarms and car horns. 

How you can help yourself is to let those around you know that you are experiencing some hearing loss. Explain that shouting isn’t necessary, but facing you and speaking loudly and clearly can be beneficial. Turn off the TV when not watching it to cut down on background noises, and simply be more aware of your environment and what is around you. 

Don’t be embarrassed or scared to reach out to an Audiologist or an Ear, Nose, and Throat  Doctor (ENT) for help. You will live a more productive and happier life when you can hear what you could be missing.

“Can you hear me now?” Hearing the good in things is another way to achieve overall wellness.

Sandy Fidler, Wellness Coach