What Was That? Huh?

Hearing Loss in the Elderly Community Is a Problem for Everyone.

Hearing loss doesn’t just impact the person who is losing the hearing. It impacts everyone around them, from family to nursing home employees to doctors. Hearing loss can also negatively impact safety, and that is a primary concern among the elderly. About half of all people over the age of 75 suffer hearing loss. How do you avoid it? There might not be much you can do in some cases. It could be hereditary, and it could have started to take effect long ago. But, there are some things you can do to mitigate the impact of hearing loss as you get older.

Turn down the volume.

If you have to turn the television up until it shakes the rafters, you might have already suffered some hearing loss! Turn volumes down to preserve the delicate structure of the ear and protect it from damage. Also, wear ear protection when using any tools or yard maintenance equipment.

Keep an eye on medical conditions.

Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and circulatory illnesses can have negative impacts on hearing as well. Smoking tobacco can have an impact, especially if you’ve been doing it for a long period of time.

Stay away from swabs.

Avoid sticking cotton swabs in your ear to remove wax. If you are having earwax buildup issues, consult a doctor to see what the best way is to get it out.

Don’t blow it!

When blowing your nose, use both nostrils! You can do a lot of damage if you force air out or if you plug one nostril and force too much air into one side of your nose. That can result in a burst eardrum.

Fly with caution.

Make sure that you yawn frequently and swallow often to keep your ears open. If you have a cold or you’re suffering from any sinus issues, it’s always a good idea to take some decongestant prior to boarding the plane. Take it in enough time before boarding the plane and give it time to take effect.

Residents of McGregor get medical care, including hearing tests and aids, to see if additional care is necessary. At McGregor, you are in the hands of a team that cares. Contact us today to find out more about the caring and professional medical staff here at McGregor.

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