World Hearing Day: Raising Awareness for Senior Hearing Health
Every March 3, countries around the world celebrate World Hearing Day! This initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) has been happening for ten years, and each year has a different theme.
Its goal? To raise awareness of the causes and treatments of hearing loss.
In the United States, hearing loss severely affects 55% of seniors over the age of 75. If you are an older adult concerned about hearing loss prevention, World Hearing Day is a wake-up call, encouraging you to learn more!
In this post, we will explore the impact World Hearing Day is having worldwide. We'll also look at ways to improve senior ear health and auditory wellness, protecting hearing health into the golden years.
Why World Hearing Day Matters to Seniors
As we get older, we may accept that a level of hearing loss is part of the aging process. However, this is not always the case.
World Hearing Day aims to help people of all ages understand hearing loss and auditory wellness more fully. While we may not be able to do anything to prevent true age-related hearing loss, we can take steps to prevent other forms.
Getting Involved
As an older person, there are many things you could do to raise awareness of hearing loss prevention on World Hearing Day. These include spreading the word on social media. You could share posts, graphics, or videos that shine a light on senior ear health.
You could also look online or ask someone to help you find local events that support World Hearing Day. Attending these events could raise your awareness, and inviting others could help spread the word.
Promote Safe Listening Practices
As an older adult, your advice can mean a lot to the younger generation. One of the key messages of World Hearing Day is promoting safe listening and good hearing care practices.
You have a unique opportunity to reach out to the younger generation and share what you have learned. Emphasize that safe listening can't start too young! Taking preventative steps, such as listening to music at lower volume and using hearing protection when doing noisy jobs, can help reduce hearing damage.
Encourage Others to Attend Hearing Screenings
You may find that some members of your family or friendship circle are reluctant to get their hearing checked out. However, as World Hearing Day notes, identifying hearing problems early and starting rehabilitation as soon as possible can help people achieve their highest hearing potential.
So, be an advocate for hearing screenings in your community. Explain their advantages and how simple treatments and hearing aids can help seniors experience a better quality of life.
Destigmatize Hearing Loss
Sadly, for many, there is a long-standing stigma around hearing loss. This can prevent some people from accessing early treatment or taking steps to protect their hearing.
Stigma can only be banished when individuals speak out. By talking openly about hearing loss and not being ashamed of it, you can empower others to seek the help they need. In doing so, you'll be helping to drive forward the goals of World Hearing Day.
How Seniors Can Protect Their Auditory Wellness
Seniors are one of the key groups World Hearing Day is trying to reach. But what can you, as an older adult, do to protect your own hearing and access the best treatments for hearing loss?
Attend Hearing Screenings
The Mayo Clinic notes that there are five common techniques used during hearing tests.
First, you will have a physical exam. The doctor will look for any blockages or other causes of hearing loss, including infection. Next, they will take you through a series of screening tests, checking how you react to sounds at different volumes.
Your doctor may use app-based tests or traditional tuning fork tests. Finally, if you are found to have hearing loss, you may be referred to an audiologist. An audiologist can carry out more extensive testing to fully understand the extent of your problem and the possible causes of it.
Practice Good Ear Hygiene
If you are a lifelong cotton swab user, now is the time to stop. Cotton swabs can cause more problems than they fix. Ear wax may become impacted and cause blockages that affect your hearing rather than helping it.
Instead, use a moist washcloth to carefully clean the outer parts of your ears. If you have a buildup of ear wax, speak to your doctor. He or she can remove it in-office using specialized equipment.
If personal care is becoming more difficult, don't worry. In memory care communities, caretakers are on hand to help with getting washed and dressed in the morning. They can provide the prompts and practical help you need to maintain great hygiene.
Avoid Loud Noises
It could be tempting to crank up the volume on the TV or radio higher and higher if we struggle with our hearing. However, it is much better to invest in hearing aids and keep loud noises to a minimum.
Memory care communities provide calm, quiet spaces to get together with others and enjoy relaxing companionship. In a quiet environment, it is easier to hear other people speak and form bonds that make you feel part of a supportive community.
Manage Underlying Health Conditions
Some health problems, such as diabetes and hypertension, can impact our hearing. At a memory care community, you will receive regular check-ups from doctors and other medical professionals who can help you manage these conditions.
Get Ready to Thrive at Ramsey Woods
World Hearing Day is a powerful tool to raise awareness of the causes and management of hearing loss in seniors. If you are currently assisting a loved one who is navigating hearing loss and memory issues, it is vital to choose a senior living community that has the support they need to get the best out of life.
At Ramsey Woods, our memory care community focuses on resident well-being. Our trained staff understands memory challenges and hearing loss. Our care and communication focus on kindness and compassion, helping your loved one feel safe and secure.
Seeing is believing! Schedule a free personalized tour of Ramsey Woods along with your loved one today.