Hearing Loss Prevention: Tips for Seniors to Protect Their Hearing

Hearing connects us to the world: conversations with loved ones, the laughter of grandchildren, and music that brings back cherished memories.

But for many older adults, these moments start fading. Among those aged 65 to 74, about 10% have disabling hearing loss, a number that jumps to 55% for those over 75, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

The good news? Hearing loss prevention is possible. Simple steps can help protect your hearing and keep you engaged in the sounds of life.

In this guide, you'll discover practical strategies to safeguard your hearing, maintain communication, and continue enjoying life without unnecessary limitations.

Schedule Regular Hearing Checkups

Hearing loss often happens gradually, so it's easy to overlook early warning signs. That is why regular hearing screenings are so important. Catching changes early can help prevent further decline and make it easier to adjust to hearing aids or other solutions if needed.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends that adults over 50 have their hearing checked every three years. Yet, many people wait until hearing loss starts interfering with daily life before seeking help.

Regular screenings can:

• Detect early signs of age-related hearing loss before it becomes a major issue
• Identify conditions like earwax buildup or infections that may be causing temporary hearing problems
• Provide a baseline for monitoring hearing changes over time

If conversations start sounding muffled, or you're asking people to repeat themselves more often, it might be time for a checkup. A quick and painless hearing test could make all the difference in protecting long-term hearing health.

Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises

Being exposed to loud sounds is one of the most common causes of noise-induced hearing loss. Everyday activities, like mowing the lawn, attending concerts, or even using a hairdryer, can damage hearing over time.

The louder the sound and the longer the exposure, the higher the risk.

A noise level of 85 decibels (dB) or higher can lead to hearing damage. For reference:

• A normal conversation is about 60 dB
• Traffic noise or a lawnmower can reach 85-90 dB
• Concerts, sporting events, and power tools often exceed 100 dB

To protect hearing, limit exposure to high-decibel environments and wear ear protection when necessary. Noise-canceling headphones can reduce background noise, making it easier to listen at lower volumes. Disposable foam earplugs, or custom-fitted earplugs, offer even better protection in noisy settings.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Senior hearing health is connected to overall well-being. Poor circulation, high blood pressure, and certain nutritional deficiencies can impact hearing. Taking care of general health can help maintain ear function.

Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods

Some vitamins and minerals support hearing conservation. Foods high in antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium may help protect against hearing loss.

Good choices include:

• Salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds for Omega-3s
• Bananas, spinach, and avocados for magnesium
• Oranges, bell peppers, and strawberries for vitamin C

Exercise Regularly

Exercise improves blood flow, which helps keep the tiny hair cells in the inner ear healthy. Even light activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can contribute to better circulation.

Manage Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar

High blood pressure and diabetes can damage blood vessels in the ear. Keeping these conditions under control with proper medication, diet, and exercise can reduce the risk of hearing damage.

Avoid Ototoxic Medications When Possible

Some medications can harm hearing. These are known as ototoxic drugs, and they include:

• Certain antibiotics
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Diuretics
• High doses of aspirin

While not everyone who takes these medications will experience hearing loss, it's a risk worth knowing about.

According to the ASHA, there are more than 200 known ototoxic drugs. If you take any of the following, speak with a doctor about possible alternatives or ways to reduce risk:

• Some antibiotics, including gentamicin and neomycin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin in high doses
• Certain cancer treatments, such as cisplatin
• Water pills (diuretics) used for blood pressure control

If stopping a medication isn't an option, monitoring hearing regularly can help catch any issues early.

Keep Your Ears Clean (But Safely)

Earwax is necessary for keeping ears healthy, but too much earwax can cause blockages and temporary hearing loss. Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can push wax deeper into the ear canal and cause damage.

Safer ways to remove excess earwax include:

• Using a few drops of mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide to soften earwax
• Wiping the outer ear with a damp cloth
• Seeing a doctor for professional earwax removal if needed

If you experience ear pain, ringing, or sudden hearing loss, it's best to seek medical attention rather than trying to clean the ears at home.

Stay Socially and Mentally Active

Hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline. Research from Johns Hopkins University found that people with untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia. Staying socially active and challenging the brain can help keep hearing and cognitive function sharp.

Engage in Conversations

Talking with friends, joining group activities, and participating in discussions help keep auditory processing skills strong. It's also a good way to notice if hearing starts to decline.

Practice Listening Skills

You can help train the brain to recognize words more clearly. Try activities like:

• Listening to audiobooks
• Following along with song lyrics
• Watching TV with captions

Try Brain Exercises

Keeping the mind engaged supports overall cognitive health. Puzzles, memory games, and learning new skills can improve mental sharpness and help with auditory processing.

Take Action on Hearing Loss Prevention Today

Hearing loss prevention is essential for maintaining clear communication and an active, engaged lifestyle. Simple steps like regular checkups, ear protection, and a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in preserving your hearing.

At Conservatory At Plano, we understand the importance of staying active and engaged. Our vibrant independent living community in Plano, TX, offers a variety of wellness programs, social activities, and amenities designed to support senior well-being. Whether it's our senior-equipped fitness center, lively social calendar, or chef-prepared dining experiences, every aspect of our community is designed to help residents thrive.

Schedule a tour today and discover how life at Conservatory At Plano keeps you thriving in every sense.