Many aging adults experience a significant decrease in their hearing abilities over time. Seniors and those who provide them with home care, Oakville families trust, should note that hearing loss is not an unavoidable part of the aging process. However, there are things your elderly loved one can do to help preserve his or her hearing and overall ear health throughout the years.
Use Cotton Swabs Properly
Although cotton swabs have slim tips designed for scratching a stubborn itch deep within the ear canal, these products are only meant for cleaning the outer portion of the ear. Your loved one should never place cotton swabs inside of the ear or use other slender items for inner ear cleaning. Inserting anything into the ear can cause inner ear damage and may force dirt and wax further back, leading to compaction. If itchy ears are a persistent problem, your loved one should schedule appointments with a hearing care professional for a proper ear cleaning.
Avoid Loud Noise
Extremely loud noises are among the most common causes of hearing loss, especially when people are exposed to the noise for an extended period of time. The volume settings on headphones and speakers should never be turned all the way up. Your loved one should always wear ear protection when excessive noise is present.
Address Any Hearing Loss
A sharp decrease in hearing could be indicative of a larger problem. For instance, hearing loss is commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. If your loved one experiences any considerable loss of hearing, he or she should immediately consult with a doctor.
Get Regular Ear Exams
Having the ears checked on a routine basis is one of the most critical steps in maintaining senior ear health. Contrary to common belief, not all ear infections cause intense pain and fever. Balance problems and an increase in falls could be signs of an inner ear infection that might otherwise go overlooked. When aging adults get regular ear exams, this gives their providers the opportunity to identify and address ear health issues before these problems have a long-term impact on hearing abilities.
Taking preventive measures to keep ears healthy may be simpler than your loved one realizes. However, if he or she needs help with this or other grooming activities, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our hourly and live-in caregivers in Oakville can help your loved one with daily hygiene, provide transportation to medical appointments, and assist with a wide array of important daily tasks. For more information on how our in-home care services can help your loved one remain healthy, call one of our experienced Care Managers at (905) 337-1200 to schedule a free in-home consultation.