Hearing Loss Prevention: Protecting Your Hearing as You Age

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Diseases (NICDC) reports that 15% of U.S. adults 18 and older have trouble hearing. Disabling hearing loss is also common among older adults, affecting 22% of those between 65 and 74 and 55% of those 75 and older.

All those statistics highlight the link between aging and hearing care, considering that auditory impairments become more prevalent as people age. Fortunately, strategies for hearing loss prevention exist.

To that end, the caring team at Loma Clara, our senior living community in Morgan Hill, California, put together this guide. Read on for tips to keep your senior hearing health in check!

Control the Volume

The U.S. CDC explains that exposure to loud sounds can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. It can result from a single event (e.g., attending a fireworks festival) or repeated exposures (e.g., regularly using power tools or constantly listening to music at very high volumes). The louder the noise, the less time it takes to cause hearing loss; the longer the exposure, the higher the risk.

One of the most effective hearing loss prevention strategies is adjusting the volume of sounds you can control. A good rule of thumb is the 60/60 rule, which involves keeping the volume at or below 60% of the maximum level and limiting listening to loud sounds to 60 minutes at any given time.

If you love listening to music (an excellent choice, as it's one of the best senior activities for staying engaged), consider investing in noise-canceling headphones. They reduce unwanted sounds, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tracks without distraction. Fewer distractions will enable you to keep the volume settings lower.

Use Ear Protection

Wearing earplugs or earmuffs, which are types of ear protection, can help cut the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. They lower the intensity of sound (measured in decibels or "dB") entering your ears. According to the Mayo Clinic, noises at or above 85 dB can cause hearing loss over time, while a single exposure to a noise at 120 dB or more can result in immediate hearing loss.

When Should You Use Ear Protection?

Always wear ear protection when you plan to engage in or be somewhere with noisy activities. Some examples are:

Fireworks displays
Live music
Sporting events
Motorcycles or motorized equipment in operation

Tips for Effective Use of Ear Protection

To ensure your earmuffs or earplugs are effective, follow these tips:

Ensure they fit snugly around the ears and have a complete seal
Check for damages to the headband or earcups
Ensure the headband has enough tension to be firm yet comfortable
Remove anything that might interfere with the seal (e.g., hair or glasses)

Distance Yourself

Another effective strategy for hearing conservation is maintaining a safe distance from noisy environments (e.g., road work or lawn mowing). If you're watching TV or a film, sit farther away from the screen or the speakers. By distancing yourself from noise, you can minimize the intensity of the sounds that can enter your ears.

At Loma Clara, our senior living community in Morgan Hill, residents can access many on-site amenities that offer a haven from outside noise. For example, we have a library and a community living room with a fireplace for reading good books or cozy, intimate gatherings. We also have a large outdoor courtyard with a fountain and raised gardens, where residents can enjoy nature in a more serene, peaceful environment.

Know the Signs of Hearing Problems

As mentioned above, the longer the exposure to loud sounds, the higher the risk for hearing loss. Unfortunately, the risk further rises when you already have some auditory impairment. For instance, it can force you to turn the volume of your devices higher, which can put your ear health in even more harm's way.

For that reason, it's crucial to monitor your auditory health, especially as you get older. It can help you catch potential problems before they progress and cause more damage.

Determining if You Have Hearing Loss

Ask yourself the following questions to help you determine if you have hearing loss:

Do you find yourself constantly putting the volume of the TV, radio, or smart devices up?
Do you have difficulty distinguishing words?
Do you often ask people to repeat themselves?
Have family members or friends asked you to speak in a lower voice multiple times?
Do you find it difficult to hear or follow a conversation on the phone?
Do sounds from the TV, your smart devices, or other people sound muffled?

If you answered "yes," "often," or "sometimes" to one or more of these questions, you may have hearing loss and should consider having a specialist check your hearing.

Who Can Help With Hearing Loss?

If you believe you have hearing loss, speak to your primary care physician (geriatrician for older adults). They can refer you to an auditory specialist, such as an otolaryngologist or audiologist.

An otolaryngologist is a specialist doctor whose primary concern is the health of the auditory system. They have additional training in ear, nose, throat, and neck health (ENT), which is why they're also known as ENT doctors.

Otolaryngologists are among the most qualified specialists for diagnosing, preventing, and treating hearing loss. They can determine whether you have hearing loss and, if so, offer specific treatment options.

Your geriatrician or otolaryngologist may also refer you to an audiologist. Audiologists are not physicians but have undergone specialized training, making them qualified to:

Conduct hearing tests
Determine the type of hearing loss
Confirm the degree of hearing loss

Moreover, audiologists can help you determine which devices, such as hearing aids, benefit you the most.

Follow These Tips for Hearing Loss Prevention

Controlling the volume, using ear protection, and distancing yourself from noise are some of the best strategies for hearing loss prevention. Just as crucial is knowing when to get help by monitoring yourself for signs of hearing loss.

Loma Clara, our senior living community in Morgan Hill, CA, strives to provide residents with a peaceful living environment. Residents can enjoy engaging activities, get help when needed, or have quiet me-time in their cozy, private apartments.

So, if you (or an older loved one) are considering transitioning to assisted living or memory care, we encourage you to explore Loma Clara. Speak with us today to schedule your visit and tour!