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Tinnitus - A Common problem in elderly or first signs of hearing loss and Alzheimer's (Tinnitus awareness week)

 A common issue is hearing loss, which can be brought on by loud noise, aging, illness, and genetic variations. Hearing loss affects about one-third of older persons, and as people get older, their probability of developing it increases. Conversations with friends and family members can be challenging for those who suffer hearing loss. They might also struggle to hear doorbells and alarms, and react to warnings. 


Brain shrinkage The first association between hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease was made when the "hearing" part of the brain started to become less active. This led to tissue loss and structural changes in the brain. 

Dementia can develop up to five times more frequently in those with moderate to severe hearing loss. In comparison to older persons with normal hearing, older adults with hearing loss, especially men are more likely to acquire dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Men with hearing loss had a 69 percent higher risk of dementia than men without hearing loss.

Some people might be hesitant to confess they have hearing issues. Ignored or untreated hearing issues can worsen. Consult your doctor if you experience hearing issues. Some of the therapies that can be helpful include hearing aids, specialized instruction, specific drugs, and surgery.

Signs of hearing loss

Some people have a hearing problem and don’t realize it. You should see your doctor if you:

       Have trouble understanding what people are saying over the telephone

       Find it hard to follow conversations when two or more people are talking

       Often ask people to repeat what they are saying

       Need to turn up the TV volume so loud that others complain

       Have a problem understanding speech because of background noise

       Think that others seem to mumble

       Can’t understand what's being said when children and people with higher pitched voices speak to you 

Tinnitus

Older people frequently experience tinnitus. Although it frequently feels like ringing in the ears, it can also have other sounds, such as screaming, buzzing, hissing, or humming. It may be loud or gentle and audible in one or both ears. In elderly persons, tinnitus can occasionally be the earliest sign of hearing loss. Any kind of hearing loss may follow. 

Tinnitus is not a sickness; it is a symptom. Tinnitus can be brought on by something as simple as an earwax blockage in the ear canal. It could also be a symptom of other illnesses, like allergies or high blood pressure. Several medications may have a side effect called tinnitus. 

How to cope with hearing loss

If you notice signs of hearing loss, talk with your doctor. If you have trouble hearing, you should:

       Let your family and friends know you have a hearing problem.

       Ask people to face you and to speak louder and more clearly.

       Ask them to repeat themselves or reword what they're saying.

       Pay attention to what is being said and to facial expressions or gestures.

       Let the person talking know if you do not understand what was said.

       Find a good location to listen. Place yourself between the speaker and sources of noise or look for quieter places to talk. 

Wearable sensors for seniors: 

       Electronic, battery-operated assistance devices called hearing aids can enhance some sounds. Obtaining a hearing aid can be done in one of two ways: with a prescription or without one.

       For those with severe or complex hearing loss, an audiologist or hearing aid expert can recommend hearing aids. Before being installed and adjusted, hearing aids that are prescribed require a medical examination.

       Recently, hearing aids have become accessible without a prescription. People with mild to moderate hearing loss may benefit from the over hearing aids, which are offered in retail outlets and online. 

We at Athulya Home Healthcare are aware of the difficulties in caring for a loved one. If the senior members of the house are suffering from ear ache or related problems, they require constant care. For better diagnosis and cure in the their comfort of home, seniors can avail Athulya Home Healthcare’s specialist ENT consultation for seniors.

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