9 Treatments for Hearing Loss in Elderly Patients
9 Treatments for Hearing Loss in Elderly Patients
As time passes, it's natural your hearing isn't what it used to be. Still, you don't have to accept this without a fight. Click here to learn some treatments.
Our bodies change as we age, that's just the way things work with biology. Luckily, there are ways that we can fight back against the tides of aging. Hearing loss is one of those afflictions. It can strike at any time and deteriorate further as you age.
Did you know that 5% of the world's population suffer from severe hearing loss? In addition, the trends would indicate this number is only going to grow.
If you are starting to suffer from, or know someone struggling with hearing loss, then this is the article for you.
Keep reading to learn some great treatments for hearing loss that can help you fight back against the hands of time.
There's More Than One Way to Treat Hearing Loss
Before you start thinking about the specifics of your treatment, it is important to evaluate the different options that are present. Namely, natural and medicinal.
Both options provide many different treatment possibilities and depending on your situation, the severity of your condition and general beliefs, you can build a treatment pathway that is right for you.
On top of this, is the fact that there are actually three different core types of hearing loss, and depending on the condition, treatment options will vary. Let's take a look at the three conditions and their treatments.
Conductive Hearing Loss
This form of hearing impairment is indicated by problems with the middle ear, the eardrum, ear canal and the three small bones behind the drum.
Problems here could be caused by anything from allergies to infections, perforated eardrums or even benign tumors. As a result, there are some core treatment options that would fit with this form of hearing loss.
1. Surgical procedures
Surgical procedures here are more often reserved for the congenital issues such as malformation or absence of certain components of the ear.
2. Antifungal/Antibiotic Treatments
For those wanting to treat hearing loss caused by infection or as a result of sickness elsewhere in the body, such as a bad head cold, it is best to take antibiotics or antifungal medicine, often prescribed by your doctor.
3. Assisted Amplification
It may be that the sensible way to combat your hearing loss is via assisted amplification devices such as hearing aids or even a surgically implanted device.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Caused by problems within the inner ear, this type of hearing loss is also commonly referred to as nerve-related hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is normally more sudden in its onset and has two core treatment angles.
4. Corticosteroids
It is entirely possible that if you suffer from a sudden loss of hearing that your doctor will prescribe a course of steroids to help combat the problem. This is often the case if your hearing loss is related to a primary health concern.
5. Cochlear Implants
Sometimes, sensorineural hearing loss is irreversible. This doesn't mean that you can't treat it, but it is just that you need surgical assistance in the form of a Cochlear implant. These devices work by bypassing the damaged section of your ear and bringing the stimulus directly to the auditory nerve.
Mixed Hearing Loss
As the name suggests, mixed hearing loss covers the instances where there is damage or a problem with both the middle and the inner ear. While there is no specific or different treatment option for this other than the ones mentioned above. Many medical professionals recommend treating the middle ear issue first and workout your way down from there.
Natural Hearing Loss Treatments
If you are looking for more natural ways to treat hearing loss in seniors, there are several different options, generally centered around herbs and dietary changes.
Let's take a look at a few of the more effective hearing loss treatments.
6. Increase Your Ginger Intake
Ginger is a fantastic spice that offers a wide range of health benefits. It just so happens that adding it to your diet can be a very effective way to treat hearing loss.
It is a natural ‘superfood' that has both antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding it to your diet means treating your whole body to its helpful powers.
7. Add Turmeric to your Diet
Turmeric is another staple of eastern cuisine and a superfood in the same category as ginger. Among its many benefits, Tumeric is high in potassium and is classed as bioactive. This means that is has a positive effect on many different biological processes in the body.
8. Avoid Ototoxicity
Ototoxicity actually means toxic to the ears. If you are suffering from hearing impairment then avoiding any substance that increases ototoxicity is going to be preferential.
These substances include alcohol and tobacco.
9. Play Brain Games
The brain is an important part of your hearing. In an environment where there is a lot of noise or a lot of people talking all at once, it is your brain that interprets all of the input and tells you what is what. Who is saying what and the tone of voice they are using to say it?
By playing games that challenge your brain and keep it active you are going to keep yourself ready and focused for any noisy situation.
Finding the Right Treatments for Hearing Loss for You
While there are a wide range of different treatments for hearing loss, the simple truth is that the one that works best for you will be more dependent on the reason for your condition than anything else.
For this reason alone it is best to always consult your physician before you undertake any treatment process, even a natural based one.
For more information on the best treatment options for all manner of medical conditions, check out our site, and make get in touch to book your first consultation today.