Hearing Loss in Senior Citizens
Studies report that approximately one-third of our country’s elderly experience some level of hearing loss. It is a natural issue and the fact that is it quite widespread calls for appropriate knowledge in order to deal with it effectively.
- In medical circles, this condition is often called Presbyacusis and is often related to normal wear and tear within the ear itself. Its' symptoms involve a difficulty in differentiation between particular sounds and conversations most often than not in a group of people. It is different to Tinnitus which is a ringing in the ear cause by prolonged exposure to loud noises (for example way too many rock concerts as kids) or even as a result of certain medications. Another type of hearing loss is the so called conductive hearing loss. This often builds up from blockages like the existence of wax or fluids.As we understand, not all hearing loss is associated with actual ear problems. As the brain ages normally its ability to process various sounds gets impaired. This is known as ‘timing’ or ‘feedback’ issue. It means that, when you find yourself in the middle of a busy room with people talking simultaneously, the brain faces difficulty in separating the various sounds. ‘What?’, you may ask. It’s all noise. Usually, the sounds blend with each other, causing problems in the normal flow of conversations. Whether you believe it or not, this gradual breakdown begins at the age of 50 and grows exponentially from there.Despite the fact that there is no cure for Presbyacusis, being proactive about it can undoubtedly make for a huge difference in a sufferer’s life. As with most things, an early diagnosis or at least realisation of the problem is of utmost importance.
Some examples can be found below:
- Difficulty understanding what people are saying, especially when there are competing voices or background noise.
- Listening to the television or radio at a higher volume compared to the past.
Avoiding conversation and social interaction. Social situations can be tiring and stressful if you do not hear well.
If one or all of these symptoms become part of your life, ideally the first step is to pay a visit to the doctor. An evaluation will take place and soon after they will provide you with a solid action plan in an effort to rectify the situation.
At Ativa Home Care, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care at home and want to be the home care company of distinction dedicated to providing the community with exceptional care.
We are licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of California. Our team of professionals include: Registered Nurses, a Geriatric Manager, and a Concierge Doctor. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you live in Irvine, California and the surrounding areas, please call our friendly team of experts now at at (949)225-2188.
