Did you know that by the age of 65, a third of the population will have some type of hearing loss? By the age of 75, that number jumps to over half. Pretty staggering numbers to think that many people will deal with hearing impairment. So how does that affect a senior’s independence?

Studies show that as older adults age, hearing loss is common, along with some type of decline in cognitive health. In fact, seniors with hearing loss will experience cognitive decline nearly 40% faster that those without. Scientists believe that the reason for these numbers is the brain working much harder to process information as hearing loss worsens.

The bottom line is, by taking active steps to prevent hearing loss as early as possible, you may also be protecting your independence as you age.

Types of Hearing Loss
There are two main types of hearing loss: those caused by aging and genetics, and those caused by injury to the ears.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss 
This hearing loss advances slowly and is nearly always caused by the aging process. It can also be worsened by high blood pressure, chronic ear infections and exposure to extremely loud noise over prolonged periods of time. Because the auditory nerve is damaged in this type of hearing loss, it is very rarely reversible.

This is a type of hearing loss that generally progresses very slowly. It can affect one ear differently than the other. Aging and heredity are the leading causes, but high blood pressure, ear infections, and prolonged exposure to loud noises are others. Because this type of hearing loss usually causes damage to the inner ear and auditory nerve, it is generally not reversible.

Conductive Hearing Loss
In this type of hearing loss, sound waves cannot reach the inner ear due to blockages such as perforated eardrums, wax buildup, and fluid in the ear. The good news is hearing loss caused by these situations care usually reversible if treated properly.

Five Ways to Protect Against Hearing Loss
Not all hearing loss can be prevented but doing all you can to protect hearing early is the key. Remember, seniors need to protect their hearing since they are ultimately protecting their independence and cognitive health.

Don’t Smoke! 
As if you needed one more reason to quit smoking, tobacco use is known to cause hearing loss. If the senior in your life smokes, urge them to quit immediately!

Know the Side Effects of Medications
Some medications carry side effects that can cause hearing loss. Talk with a doctor and find out all the risks and why the medication is needed. There could be other options.

Prevent Exposure to Loud Noise
Even everyday noises such as lawnmowers, snow blowers, and other heavy machinery can cause hearing loss over time. TV’s and stereos played at high volumes can also lead to hearing loss. Wearing headphones that are sound-canceling will help protect hearing.

Check for Buildup of Ear Wax
Seniors can be more susceptible to the buildup of ear wax. Their doctor can easily check this frequently and keep it under control with regular care. Signs of ear wax impaction can include ringing in the ear, dizziness, pressure or earaches that happen frequently. It is easily treated.

Have Hearing Tested Annually
As with any other type of medical exams such as vision and dental, we should have hearing tested once a year. This is crucial for seniors!

For more information on keeping seniors independent as long as possible, contact us!

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

We all get a little anxious at times. That just comes with being human! But what about senior adults? Do they deal with more anxiety than usual? How do you help them work through their anxiety? Read on.

What Is Anxiety?

True anxiety disorders can be very debilitating. There’s quite a big difference between getting nervous about something vs. being unable to do normal tasks. 
For seniors, anxiety can worsen as they age or realize how challenging it can be to do normal everyday activities. If they are afraid to leave the house, be in social settings or have extreme reactions of fear about minor things, then it is very possible they are suffering from anxiety that needs to be treated.

What are the Symptoms of Anxiety in the Elderly?

Anxiety has several sub-categories. Each type of anxiety could manifest itself in different ways, with individual symptoms. Here are a few types of anxiety you should know about:

Phobia: Phobias are extreme reactions that seem irrational to someone who isn’t dealing with anxiety. It causes debilitating fear of doing things, leaving the house, driving, etc. It can also cause sudden fears of things like thunderstorms or loud noise.

Panic Disorder: Panic disorders can cause extreme fear or feelings of terror that come on incredibly quickly. Symptoms of a panic attack are wide but include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or being afraid of death.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: This type of anxiety is more long-lasting and causes your senior loved one to have a very negative outlook on life. They often become pessimistic and become convinced that the worst-case scenario is about to happen, with no reasoning behind it. They basically stress themselves out fearing small everyday tasks. Symptoms can include muscle tension, extreme worry about small things, headaches and insomnia.

PTSD: Anyone can get PTSD, but for seniors, it can be even worse. Perhaps they served in a war that causes them to have flashbacks or suffer from nightmares. Traumatic events cause PTSD but can be successfully treated with the right therapeutic approach. It’s common to have depression or startle easily.

Will Anxiety Get Worse with Age?

Anxiety can be lessened with age, but that really depends on the person. Seniors may develop anxiety due to their fear of things like losing a spouse, paying for long-term care, being worried about their health or becoming a burden to family members.

Treatment for Anxiety in Seniors

Anxiety is very treatable. It can have a huge impact on quality of life and should be handled right away. In seniors, it can increase their risk of death if it is not treated. Treatment will most likely involve psychotherapy before trying medications. There are many medicines for anxiety, but their side effects can be problematic in seniors, so they are used as a lasts resort in most cases.

If you have noticed symptoms of anxiety in the senior adult in your life, please contact us today! We’re here to help!

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.