Data from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) show that disabling hearing loss is prevalent among older adults, affecting 22% of Americans 60 to 74 years old and 55% of those 75 and older. Many seniors with such auditory conditions have sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), one of the most common types of hearing impairment.
Depending on the cause, SNHL can be progressive (worsening over time) or immediately permanent. The good news is that some cases are preventable, and many are treatable.
In this guide, the compassionate team at TerraBella Fayetteville, our senior living community in Fayetteville, NC, will discuss what SNHL is, its causes, and how to prevent and treat it.
Sensorineural hearing loss is a hearing impairment resulting from inner ear damage. Such damages can:
SNHL can drastically impact one's hearing, causing symptoms like:
In some people with SHNL, soft sounds are barely, if even audible. Loud noises may also seem muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss comes in several forms, including:
According to an article published by Oxford Academic, sudden SNHL affects five to 27 per 100,000 people yearly, with an estimated 66,000 new cases annually. It also points out that presbycusis becomes twice as prevalent every decade of life and that around 16% of adults worldwide live with noise-related disabling hearing loss.
Some of the specific conditions or problems that may cause or contribute to sensorineural hearing loss are:
The above can lead to SNHL because they can damage the cochlea's tiny hair cells, which convert sounds into electrical impulses and send them to the brain.
When the cochlea hair cells become damaged, they can't process or send electrical signals well, resulting in SNHL. Unfortunately, they can't repair themselves, so the hearing loss that results from their becoming damaged is often permanent.
Sensorineural hearing loss can also occur due to damage to the vestibulocochlear nerve, which:
A damaged vestibulocochlear nerve cannot carry or transmit signals correctly to the brain, leading to impaired hearing.
Sensorineural hearing loss caused by genetics or congenital conditions is not preventable. However, you can avoid those that result from modifiable risk factors, such as ear wax buildup and loud noise exposure.
Here are some tips to consider to protect yourself from preventable SNHL.
The loudness of sounds, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how damaging they can be to the ears; the higher the dB, the more significant the impact. Mayo Clinic explains that continued exposure to noises at or over 85 dB can cause gradual hearing loss, while those at 120 dB or higher can lead to immediate hearing loss. Some examples are:
Wearing earplugs or earmuffs can help minimize the risk of noise-induced SNHL. They act like a protective seal around the ears, dampening the intensity of such loud noises.
Listening to music can help improve moods and reduce stress, making it one of the best activities for a more engaging senior lifestyle. However, if the sound is too loud, it can be counterproductive, even harmful, to aging ears. For this reason, older adults who love listening to their favorite tracks should consider noise-canceling headphones.
Noise-canceling headphones reduce unwanted noises and distractions, allowing users to listen to their favorite tracks at lower volumes.
Some medications, particularly certain antibiotics, can be ototoxic. They can cause ear poisoning, damage the inner ear, and cause SNHL. According to MSD Manuals, some examples of ototoxic drugs are:
Older adults and individuals with hearing loss should not use ototoxic medications if other effective medicines are available.
Treatment depends on the type and cause of sensorineural hearing loss, but it may include one or more of the following:
For older adults with SNHL who experience difficulty performing daily tasks, transitioning to a warm, caring, and peaceful assisted living community like TerraBella Fayetteville can also be beneficial. Here, residents can enjoy the company and personalized supportive services of highly experienced and compassionate care providers who understand their unique needs due to their hearing impairment.
Many cases of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are preventable, such as those caused by loud noises and medication, so older adults should do their best to avoid these culprits. For cases in which SNHL isn't avoidable, treatments like medications and hearing aids can help. A senior living community's peaceful and quiet environment, combined with personalized care and supportive services, can also benefit seniors with SNHL.
At TerraBella Fayetteville in Fayetteville, NC, we aim to ensure our residents enjoy a serene, relaxing living environment. We also nourish them with healthy, delicious meals and keep them engaged, happy, and social with senior-centered events and activities.
Consider exploring our senior living community today by calling us and scheduling a tour!