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Straining to hear and understand is a stressful, everyday experience for many people, especially older adults.
More than 36 million Americans have varying conditions of hearing loss, the American Journal of Medicine reports. Older adults are prone to hearing loss for many reasons, including use of certain medications and a buildup of earwax that blocks sound waves. Rather than becoming irritated with the sensory disorder, take specific steps to prevent continued hearing loss and build an understanding for those who have lost much of this sense. Preventive measures If you suspect you have a hearing problem, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. A doctor can identify the problem and discuss treatment options. Hearing aids may be required, but treatment could be as simple as a thorough ear cleaning. Maintain healthy habits. A diet and lifestyle that incorporates vitamin- and mineral-rich supplements, daily exercise and ear protection from loud noises promotes general health and helps the body retain its senses. Use caution with medications. Certain medications containing aspirin or acetaminophen have been linked to hearing loss, particularly in men. If you are hard of hearing and taking prescriptions with these components, notify a doctor right away. Stop smoking. Smoking doubles the risk of hearing loss because it restricts blood flow to the inner-ear nerve cells. Cutting the habit will significantly enhance hearing. Building Understanding and Coping Some people's hearing is too damaged for recovery or preventive measures. However, there are techniques that can make coping easier. • Speaking louder can help, but, to avoid embarrassing the person with hearing loss, do not shout. • Talking slowly isn't necessarily assistance, but speaking clearly can be. • Rephrasing a sentence with different words can benefit a person who has difficulty hearing specific sounds. • In a crowded room, position a person with hearing loss against a wall to avoid extraneous background sounds. • When speaking to those who have some hearing loss, face them so they can see you. Watching faces move and seeing expressions can help a person with hearing loss better understand a conversation. Hearing loss is common and should be treated with care by loved ones. With a better understanding of the disorder, friends and family can be resources in a person's later years. (by azstarnet.com)
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