Hearing Loss among Senior People and Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ

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As we grow older, loss of hearing is a common thing. Almost one third of people over the age of 65 have some form of it. After 75, that statistic soars to nearly 50 percent. Hearing loss also leads to decline in cognitive health among senior people. As per research, adults who have hearing loss experience cognitive decline 30 to 40 percent faster than those without hearing loss which the scientists attribute to the brain having to work harder as hearing becomes more impaired. In an effort to process this increased workload, connections in the brain reorganize themselves which results in a decline in cognitive health. Taking a few precautionary measures can help you in protecting your hearing. Before that, let us throw some light on the benefits of an assisted living facility.

If you have senior family members suffering from mobility issues or memory problems, it is advisable that you go for a senior living option with the best option being going for an assisted living facility. In the Phoenix region in Arizona, you can book a suite at the award-winning Anthem Senior Living where you can expect for your loved one to receive the best form of Anthem assisted living care and support in the hands of trained caregivers.

There are different types of hearing loss where some kinds are unavoidable because of being caused by aging and genetics while others being the result of an ear injury. The two primary types of hearing loss are:

Sensorineural hearing loss: 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. It is generally not reversible because this type of hearing loss usually causes damage to the inner ear and auditory nerve.

Conductive hearing loss: This is the result of a blockage that prevents sound waves from reaching the inner ear. Punctured ear drums, buildup of wax, or fluid in the ear are the most common causes. Fortunately, this type of hearing loss can usually be treated and reversed.

It is important that you protect yourself as much as possible in order to prevent hearing loss and through that your cognitive health:

Quit Smoking– Tobacco use increases the risk for hearing loss. It is better that you quit if you are a smoker.

Do not Expose yourself to Loud Noises– Limit your exposure to loud noises which you can do by wearing sound-cancelling headphones which will protect your hearing. Lawnmowers, snow blowers, and heavy equipment can all contribute to hearing loss. Also make sure to not have your television or stereo up too loud.

Treat Earwax Build-up- Some people are more prone to this than others which can be attributed to their ear canal being smaller than normal or produce excessive amounts of wax. A few of the signs of earwax impaction includes frequent earaches, a feeling of fullness in the ear, dizziness, and tinnitus (ringing in the ear). Consult a primary care physician in this regard.

Go for Hearing Exam Yearly– An annual hearing exam can help screen for potential hearing issues. An experienced audiologist is most likely to spot problems early and intervene before hearing becomes impaired.

If any of your senior family members need a little extra help in maintaining a healthy and stable lifestyle, then going for assisted living care is the best bet.

Learn more by contacting Anthem Senior Living in Phoenix, AZ