As your senior loved one ages, the hair cells in his or her ears will begin to break down, preventing them from picking up sound vibrations as well as they could in the past. Though hearing loss is not completely preventable, its severity can be reduced. To help preserve your loved one’s hearing, use these tips from the Toronto senior care experts at Home Care Assistance.
Avoid Loud Noise
Your loved one can prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) if he or she avoids noises at or above 85 decibels. Failing to do so can cause damage to the ears. Examples of loud noises include televisions, lawnmowers, radios, and crowded places. If your loved one is frequently exposed to noises like these, encourage him or her to wear protective hearing devices like earplugs. This can help preserve his or her hearing and prevent NIHL.
Check Medications
Speak to a doctor to ensure the medications your loved one is taking do not cause hearing loss. Many of the medications seniors take, such as antibiotics and cancer-fighting drugs, can harm the ears. If alternative prescriptions are not 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.
Wear Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can help boost your loved one’s hearing by amplifying sounds. If your loved one has had trouble hearing certain sounds, hearing aids can carry the sounds from the environment into his or her ear, making them louder. The microphones inside the hearing aids collect these sounds and adjust them based on your loved one’s hearing ability. The amplified signals from the device then convert those sounds and deliver them to your loved one’s ears through the speakers, helping him or her hear better.
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 help your loved one avoid this misdiagnosis.
If hearing impairment has made certain daily activities more difficult for your loved one to accomplish, turn to Home Care Assistance. Our caregivers can keep your loved one safe and comfortable at home while helping with tasks like cooking, transportation, bathing, and much more. For more information on part-time and live-in care Toronto families trust, call one of our qualified Care Managers today at (416) 488-8777.