As much as we may try to prevent it, aging is a natural effect of living a long life. A part of aging that many people experience is a decrease in hearing ability. While some types of hearing loss can be prevented, sometimes it’s hereditary to experience hearing loss later in life.
How Is Hearing Loss Connected to Aging?
As we age, it’s normal for the hair cells in the inner ear (which are responsible for sending sound signals to the brain) begin to deteriorate. If hearing loss runs in your family, then this is typically predetermined, however, it can also occur due to a history of noise exposure.
Individuals over the age of 60 are more likely to experience a decrease in hearing ability. In fact, one in three people over the age of 60 has hearing loss and one in two people older than 85 have hearing loss.
How Your Ears Can Age Gracefully
If you are under the age of 60, there are some precuations you can still take to ensure your hearing remains acute for many more years to come. The most important preventive measure you can take is to limit your exposure to loud sounds and to wear hearing protection when you cannot avoid noise levels over 85 decibels.
For those over the age of 60, you should still wear hearing protection and limit loud noise exposure. If you already have hearing loss, it’s important to wear hearing aids to maintain your brain health and speech recognition.
Have Your Hearing Examined
One of the best ways to practice healthy hearing and aging is to have your hearing examined! A hearing screening will allow us to catch any changes in your hearing ability early. Using a management option like hearing aids will also ensure you can still hear sounds and don’t experience a decline in your cognitive health.
Be proactive about your hearing and don’t let hearing loss affect your quality of life. Call Neufeld Hearing Healthcare today at (912) 431-3193 to have your hearing checked!
