Hearing loss is a topic that not only affects the senior population but their loved ones as well. Preventing hearing loss from occurring is always the goal as you and your loved ones age. In this article, we will explore the causes of hearing loss, how it has been connected to Alzheimer’s, and some strategies for prevention. Let’s dive in!
Causes of Hearing Loss
- Loud Noises: One of the most common causes of hearing loss, loud noises from things like snow blowers, music, or lawn mowers have the potential to damage the inner and cause irreversible hearing loss.
- Ear wax or Fluid Buildup: At times, hearing can be impacted by a buildup of fluid or ear wax.
- Health Conditions: Certain health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, suffering a stroke, certain heart conditions, and long-term ear infections can all damage the inner ear and cause hearing loss.
Hearing Loss and Alzheimer’s
At first glance, it wouldn’t seem like these two health conditions would be connected. More and more research indicates that they are; however the correlation might not be what you’d think. Stay tuned for BayView Senior Assisted Living’s next blog post on the connection between cognitive decline and hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Prevention for Seniors
The good news is, you can prevent most noise-related hearing loss by using ear protection at concerts or in construction zones, turning down the sound on your devices, or simply moving away from loud noise.
Research from Harvard University suggests that nutrition and exercise play a part in preventing hearing loss. Though recently published in The Journal of Nutrition, this longitudinal study has followed nearly 71,000 women for 22 years, primarily analyzing eating patterns. The Harvard study concludes that the women who followed diets like the Mediterranean or DASH diet had a 30 percent lower risk of hearing loss than those who ate less healthfully. These eating plans emphasize fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and nuts while limiting processed meats, sodium, and sugar.
Researchers hypothesize that a nutritious diet may be protective against hearing loss by keeping the blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to the inner ear healthy. This is the same conclusion researchers have come to regarding the connection between exercise and hearing loss. Exercise strongly impacts cardiovascular health, which can, in turn, affect the vascular system throughout the body.
Best Senior Living Community in Southern California
HarborView Senior Assisted Living operates out of an elegant, 30-bed, historic home originally built in 1927! Our thoughtful and thorough renovation process preserved the beautiful historic features adding all the necessary modern amenities to create a safe and spacious setting for your loved one. Our members enjoy lush gardens, a gorgeous patio area, fantastic views of downtown San Diego, and charming accommodations.
Today on HarborView’s blog, we’re looking at what older adults need to know regarding hearing loss. What are the risks of hearing loss? What are some proven causes and evidence-based methods to prevent it? What can you do if you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss?
HarborView Named One of the Best Senior Living Communities in San Diego
We are committed to quality, personalized care at Harbor View Senior Assisted Living (as well as at our sister sites, MesaView Senior Assisted Living in La Mesa, BayView Senior Assisted Living in Point Loma, and RanchView Senior Assisted Living in Encinitas). Being a member of our boutique assisted living communities in Southern California has many benefits. We’ve even been named one of the best senior living communities in San Diego for three years running! To find out what sets us apart, give us a call and schedule a tour of our one-of-a-kind assisted living home located in Bankers Hill, San Diego! We collaborate with family members to make sure loved ones are comfortable and comprehensively cared for.
