Many aging adults experience a significant decrease in their hearing ability over time. Seniors and their families should note that hearing loss isn’t an unavoidable part of the aging process. However, there are things your elderly loved one can do to 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 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 an appointment with a hearing care professional for a proper ear cleaning.From keeping their ears clean to managing basic housekeeping tasks, older adults often require help with a variety of activities. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Des Moines seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve.
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 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.There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional at-home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
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 ability.Taking preventive measures to keep ears healthy may be simpler than your loved one realizes. However, if your loved one needs help with this or other grooming activities, a professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Des Moines homecare services.Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call (515) 264-2438 today.