Help to Prevent Hearing Loss in Your Elderly Loved One

By Jessica Ott | March 4, 2020 |

Taking care of an elderly loved one is a lot of responsibility. You may need to help them with taking their medications, getting to the bathroom, or with their meals. You also need to know about health issues that are common in elderly adults. For instance, many elderly adults face hearing loss. This can be quite tough on them. The good news is that there are some ways that you can help to prevent hearing loss in your elderly loved one.

Elderly Care Gettysburg PA – Help to Prevent Hearing Loss in Your Elderly Loved One

Quit Smoking

Did you know that the use of tobacco increases one’s risk of having hearing loss? If your elderly loved one smokes, it is best to help them quit smoking. Let them know, if they don’t already know, that smoking can cause hearing loss. Most people aren’t aware of this. If they are willing to quit smoking, have them talk to their doctor about smoking cessation programs and products to see what would be best for them to use.

Side Effects from Medications

It is also important to know that there are some medications that can cause hearing loss as a side effect. Take a look at your loved one’s medication list to see if they have medications that might cause this issue. If there are any medications they have which could cause hearing loss, check with their prescribing doctor to see if there are other medication options.

Avoiding Loud Noises

Unfortunately, loud noises can also cause hearing loss. Heavy equipment, snowblowers, lawnmowers, and having the television up too loud can all cause hearing loss. Make sure you have your elderly loved one avoid these things as much as possible. You can see if a family member can mow the lawn. Let your loved one’s elderly care providers know not to turn the television up too loud.

Treating Build-up of Earwax

There are certain people who have more earwax build-up than others. If your elderly loved one has a lot of earwax build-up, it is important to take care of this as soon as possible. The more earwax they have in their ears, the more difficult it will be for them to hear.

Getting an Annual Hearing Exam

It is also helpful if your loved one gets an annual hearing exam. This exam will check for potential hearing problems. An audiologist can spot issues earlier on and they might be able to help before your loved one’s hearing is impaired.

These are some of the tips for preventing hearing loss in your elderly loved one. If your elderly loved one wants to avoid getting hearing aids, these are some of the things they should be doing.

Sources: https://www.hear-it.org/Cigarette-smoking-and-hearing-loss
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/noise.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly Care Services in Gettysburg PA, please talk to us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions. In-home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258.

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Jessica Ott

Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC

Jessica Ott is the Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC.

A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC is dedicated to providing our clients with a better quality of life through our support services while maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own home.

As a Home Care Agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

We will work with you to prepare a care plan that incorporates your needs, your wishes, and your preferred schedule. Each client is matched with a caregiver who can best meet their individual needs, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted living, or nursing community.