According to the National Council on Aging, hearing loss affects about 60.7 million Americans
age 12 and older. This prevalence increases with age, with 31.3% of those aged 65 to 74 and
40.3% of those 75 and older experiencing disabling hearing loss. Alarmingly, data from the
Hearing Loss Association of America states that, on average, people with hearing loss wait seven
years before seeking help.
Unaddressed hearing loss has a substantial impact on communication, learning, employment, and overall health across all ages. This underscores the need for practical tips on how to best manage and adjust to hearing loss. Here are four key tips to help you navigate this journey and continue to live a fulfilling life:
Visit a hearing care provider
The first and most crucial step in managing and adjusting to hearing loss is consulting a hearing
care provider. Not all types of hearing impairment are the same. A hearing doctor, such as an otolaryngologist, can accurately diagnose the extent of your hearing loss and then refer you to an audiologist. This specialist can then conduct thorough hearing tests to determine the best course of treatment. Additionally, regular check-ups are vital because they help monitor the condition and make necessary changes to treatment plans. A hearing specialist can also offer personalized advice and recommend appropriate hearing aids or other assistive devices that can make adjusting to hearing loss much easier.
Utilize hearing devices
An analysis in the JAMA Neurology journal indicates that people who use hearing devices have a
lower risk of long-term cognitive decline compared to people with uncorrected hearing loss.
Hearing devices amplify sounds, making it easier to engage in conversations and enjoy everyday
activities. One notable option for those with mild to moderate hearing loss is Nuance Audio, the
first pair of eyeglasses with an invisible hearing solution. These hearing glasses offer features
such as directional microphones, noise reduction, and wireless connectivity, enhancing both
convenience and auditory experience.
For individuals with more severe hearing loss, various types of hearing aids are available,
including behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), and in-the-canal (ITC) models from Oticon and
Phonak. Each type has its unique advantages, and a hearing care provider can help determine
which is best suited for your situation.
Take hearing loss supplements
While hearing aids and medical treatments are primary solutions, certain supplements can also
support hearing health. In a PLOS Biology study, researchers noted that age-related hearing loss
is associated with decreased cholesterol in the inner ear. Findings from the experiment revealed
that phytosterols supplements, a cholesterol-like compound, can be used to prevent or treat
hearing loss. Fortunately, supplements containing this compound are widely available over-the-counter. Brands like Puritan's Pride and EPC Company both carry phytosterol supplements that
you can take daily as part of your hearing health regimen. Note that it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Alternatively, you can harness the hearing improvement benefits of phytosterols by consuming
more nuts and seeds like pistachios. Other rich sources of phytosterols are unrefined plant oils,
such as vegetable, rapeseed, and corn oils. Rice oils, in particular, provide up to 1,000 milligrams
of phytosterols per 100 grams.
By visiting a hearing care provider, utilizing hearing devices, and taking relevant supplements,
individuals with hearing loss can navigate their condition with greater ease and confidence.
Ultimately, embracing these strategies enhances the overall quality of life, ensuring that hearing
loss does not stand in the way of enjoying life to the fullest.
For more articles on integrative and holistic health care, visit the BentonIntegrative.com
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