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7 Top Tips for Hearing Health for Seniors

PS: Although the title says that it is advice for the elderly, it is recommended that adults should pay attention to the following 7 important tips in their daily life.

As we age, it becomes more and more important to take care of our hearing. Optimal listening allows you to listen, understand, communicate, and socialize effectively, translating into a high quality of life. In fact, better hearing equals a better life. But as you age, your body degrades, not to mention your sense of hearing. As we age, the chances of developing hearing problems also increase, and about one-third of older adults already suffer from hearing loss.

Therefore, it is crucial to take care of your hearing. While they may not necessarily cure existing hearing impairments, proper nutrition and healthy habits will help prevent some hearing problems.

Hearing problems are common

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition in older adults, twice as common as diabetes or cancer. Age is one of the main factors in hearing problems in adults. According to the Institute for Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, one third of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss, and half of those over the age of 75 have hearing difficulties.

7-top-tips-for-hearing-health-for-seniors

While aging can affect hearing health, adopting a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition can promote optimal hearing.

1. Choose the foods that are most beneficial for your hearing

As you get older, what you consume affects who you become and how you relate to people. But did you know that proper nutrition helps with good hearing? Therefore, maintain a balanced diet and choose nutrient-dense foods for optimal hearing health. Choose foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as:

  • Potassium (bananas, pineapples, potatoes, spinach)
  • Magnesium (almonds, avocados, tomatoes, broccoli)
  • Zinc (as shellfish, cashews, dark chocolate, whole grains)
  • Folic acid (beans, rice, Italy, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and lentils)
  • Antioxidants (berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits)

Also, be sure to limit your salt and sugar intake. Excessive amounts of these can have harmful effects on your hearing health. Overall, good food guarantees good hearing.

2. Stay hydrated

Popular health advice: Drink eight glasses of water a day. While it's good for your overall health, proper hydration is essential for your hearing health. Drinking enough water ensures that your body, including your inner ear, stays hydrated. Adequate hydration boosts blood circulation and delivers oxygen to the ears. As a result, this can maintain your hearing function and promote overall health.

3. Exercise regularly

Overall, exercise is good for your overall health. But you know what? Exercise is also highly recommended for your hearing health. It helps improve blood circulation throughout your body, including your ears. As a result, it helps in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. Promote a healthy life through proper nutrition and regular exercise. A lot of seniors of all ages, they all want to stay healthy as they get older, and exercise keeps my elderly clients' hearing healthy.

4. Quit smoking

Smoking is known to be detrimental to your health and overall well-being. But specifically, it can pose a significant risk to your hearing health. Smoking narrows the blood vessels in your body, including those in your inner ear. It blocks the connection between your middle ear and the back of your throat, which is the Eustachian tube.

In addition, cigarettes contain toxic chemicals. When you smoke, these chemicals can cause damage to the hair cells of your inner ear, which can escalate to hearing loss over time. Therefore, quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of hearing problems.

5. Manage your stress

Did you know that stress can have a negative impact on your hearing health? For example, when you're stressed, your ears will buzz. High levels of stress can cause certain hearing problems such as tinnitus and worsen existing hearing problems.

How does stress affect hearing? Constant exposure to high levels of stress can release the hormones adrenaline and cortisol. When these hormones are elevated, they can cause temporary hearing loss that gradually escalates to permanent hearing loss. Stress management is recommended for older adults. Stress is the biggest cause of premature death, and older adults reduce stress levels by exercising regularly, meditating properly, pursuing hobbies and interests, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

6. Protect your ears

Taking proactive measures is key to protecting your ears from potential damage. According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of people between the ages of 12 and 35 are exposed to unsafe sound using personal audio devices.

Ears need to be protected by:

  • Stay away from excessive noise.
  • Avoid loud music.
  • Wear earplugs.
  • Stop using cotton swabs.
  • Keep your ears dry.

7. Have regular hearing check-ups

Doctors recommend that individuals have their hearing checked regularly, as prevention is better than cure. Therefore, get regular hearing checkups to monitor your hearing health and detect potential problems early. An audiologist can perform a variety of tests to assess your hearing ability. They can then provide appropriate guidance and early intervention, such as the use of hearing aids, when there is mild to moderate hearing loss in the early stage, and with a small financial budget, they can choose the OTC hearing aids of the CADENZA brand, which are affordable and reliable in quality.

Remember, taking care of your hearing is the best way to ensure a high quality of life. As you get older, you'll still manage to stay connected with your loved ones and enjoy the sights and sounds!