A lot of things change as you get older. You might work a little less, travel more or spend extra time at the Putnam Tennis Courts. Another common change lies in your hearing.
Hearing Loss as You Age
Age-related changes in the inner and middle ear, as well as complex changes along the nerve pathways from the ear to the brain, can lead to permanent hearing loss. A few additional causes of gradual hearing loss include:
- Noise exposure
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Ototoxic medications (medications that damage the inner ear)
- Otosclerosis (new bone growth)
Because these causes can slowly erode your hearing, the risk of hearing loss increases with age, affecting approximately one in three people aged 65 to 74 and nearly half of those aged 75 and older. While you can’t stop age-related changes in your ears, safeguarding yourself against preventable causes is a crucial step in preventing hearing loss.
Protecting Your Hearing
Hearing protection will depend on your health and the factors most likely to damage your ears. A few options include:
- Wear earplugs. Whether you’re going to a concert or just mowing the lawn, earplugs are an essential tool to protect your hearing from noise-related damage. You can opt for disposable foam plugs or invest in reusable plastic, silicone or rubber models.
- Manage underlying conditions. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, talk to your primary care provider about managing them effectively. They may recommend options such as exercise, dietary changes or medication.
- Talk about medication alternatives. Ototoxic medications are usually life-saving, as is the case with chemotherapy drugs, so the benefits of them typically outweigh the negatives. However, it’s still worth asking if any alternatives are less likely to damage your hearing. If there aren’t any available, it’s crucial to schedule regular hearing tests to track small changes over time and prepare for early treatment with hearing aids.
By protecting your hearing early on and treating hearing loss if it arises, you can set yourself up for success in your golden years. Contact ENT Associates of Worcester today for more information on caring for your hearing health.