Causes and Effects of Hearing Loss in Seniors

Hearing is an important part of daily activities. It helps people to know what is going on around them, engage in conversation with others, and receive important information. As people age, however, their hearing can begin to deteriorate. This can make some activities more difficult or frustrating. There are also medical and environmental causes of hearing loss.

Common Causes of Hearing Loss:

• Aging: Presbycusis is the term often used to describe hearing loss that occurs as a result of aging. Over time, hearing begins to decline but the extent varies from person to person. It can be affected by damage to the ear, loud noises, infections, disease, and more.
• Loud Noises: Prolonged exposure to loud noises or environments can impact hearing loss. Those who have worked in factories, construction, or other types of settings may have unknowingly damaged their hearing.
•  Infection: Both viral and bacterial infections can impact hearing. Build up of fluid and earwax can as well. Treating infections promptly can help to preserve hearing.
• Tinnitus: This isn’t exactly hearing loss, but rather a ringing in the ears. It can impact seniors’ ability to hear correctly and make sense of conversation.

Effects of Hearing Loss:

• Decreased safety: If seniors cannot hear adequately, they may miss cues that indicate danger. They could miss warning alerts or simply the sound of something coming toward them. Not being able to hear the phone or having to turn devices up loudly can be problematic.
• Decreased socialization: Because they have difficulty hearing conversations, programs, or surrounding noises, seniors may shy away from social activities. It could be a frustrating situation, or perhaps they do not want to admit that their hearing is deteriorating. With decreased hearing, it can become more challenging to engage in back and forth dialogue or pay attention to television shows, movies, or other activities.
• Misunderstanding: Not being able to understand what someone is saying can lead to misunderstandings. Seniors may not understand how to properly take medication or use appliances. They may misinterpret instructions or directions. This can lead to more serious issues.

Recognizing the signs of hearing loss and undergoing regular screenings can help to identify problems before they become more serious. Treatment can help to clear up infections or resolve certain damage to the ear. Hearing aids can help to amplify and direct sound to make hearing easier. There are also modifications that can be made around the home to help mitigate the effects of hearing loss and increase safety. These could include lights that flash when the phone rings, smoke alarm goes off, or doorbell is rung. This combines the auditory signal with a visual signal. If you or a loved one is having difficulty hearing or notice you have to turn things up more loudly, consider having your hearing checked to detect potential problems.

Dental Concerns for Seniors

Oral health can be a concern at any age, but in the elderly, dental problems can increase risk of poor diet and developing more serious problems. Making sure that teeth and gums stay strong and healthy can help ward off disease and make eating easier and more enjoyable. Seniors can develop a wide range of issues with their oral health:

• Sensitivity: They may discover that their teeth are more sensitive to heat and cold than they previously were. This could be the result of receding gums or wearing away of the protective enamel covering the teeth. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can ease discomfort.
• Receding Gums: Over time the gums can begin to pull away from teeth and expose the tooth’s root. This can be caused by genetics, periodontal disease, alignment issues, grinding of the teeth and more. The dentist will usually provide a thorough cleaning of the area to remove any built up plaque or bacteria and promote healing. They may recommend other treatment as well.
• Cavities: Seniors are still at risk for developing cavities. The enamel on their teeth may have worn down over the years, or they may not have gotten enough fluoride growing up, which can increase risk. Regular brushing and flossing can help keep teeth healthy.
• Poorly Fitting Dentures: When dentures are not fitted correctly, they can move around in the mouth and exert uneven pressure or rubbing. This can lead to a variety of issues and impair eating and speaking ability. It is important to have regular checkups to assess fit and make any necessary adjustments.

There are also medications that can increase risk of developing dental problems or lead to dry mouth and other conditions. Scheduling regular dental exams can help to identify and resolve problems before they become more serious. The dentist can also recommend steps to take if medication or dentures are impacting dental health or diet. 

As seniors age, memory loss, arthritis, and other conditions can make it more difficult to take proper care of their teeth and gums. Checking in to make sure they are brushing, assisting with these processes, and making sure they get to checkups can help to ensure better dental health throughout their life. Making adaptations in the bathroom and providing customized equipment or special toothpastes designed for seniors can also make caring for their teeth easier. Periodically check in on your loved one to assess their abilities as they age and take the proper actions to keep them safe while also allowing them to be as independent as possible.

Celebrating Grandparents Day with your Senior

September 7, 2014 is National Grandparents Day. This is a day to celebrate the grandparents in your life and let them know how much they are appreciated and loved. You can glean a lot from their wisdom and life experience. When it comes to celebrating, it is often the thought that counts. Here are some simple ways that you and your family can celebrate this year:

Have grandchildren make keepsakes. You don’t have to spend money on gifts that you don’t know whether they will need or use. Make a gift from the heart. Drawing a picture, singing a song, or giving them a memorable photograph can have a big impact. Grandparents can even teach their grandchildren how to make some of their favorite crafts from childhood.

Prepare a favorite meal. Cook up some of their favorite foods and have a family dinner. Getting grandparents involved can help to pass on traditions and family recipes. Many families have recipes that have been passed down through generations and hold special meaning. This can be a great time to both share and create memories.

Look through photo albums. Enjoy spending time listening to stories from the past and seeing pictures of grandparents in their younger years and with other family members and friends. Ask them about trips they went on, events they experienced, and other memorable times. Oftentimes they are glad to reminisce and reflect. This can also be a beneficial way to learn about family history.

Visit favorite places. Perhaps an old restaurant, park, home, or city holds special meaning to your grandparent. Find out if there is anywhere they would like to go, or plan a trip to somewhere you know they enjoy.

Take a family photo. What better time to update current family photo albums? Document your day together and the memories created. This will provide a wonderful keepsake and something to look back on in future years together.

Spend time together. Sometimes the best way to celebrate is simply by being together. Make it a point to limit distractions and focus on appreciating your grandparents. Show them how much they are loved and appreciated and that you value the time you are able to spend together. Ask questions about their life and tell them about yours. Catch up and build new memories while reflecting on old ones.

Make your grandparents feel special this year by putting thought and consideration into your celebration. Plan a day that they will remember, even if it is just sitting playing games and enjoying a meal together. It is the thought that counts and showing them that you care.