Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Seniors: Prevention and Management

According to an article published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, about 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 69 have noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). NIHL is the leading cause of age-related hearing impairment caused by loud noise exposure. Many seniors also have communication difficulties as a result of severe NIHL.

Fortunately, you can prevent this type of hearing loss. Treatment is also available for cases where permanent damage and impairment have already occurred.

To that end, the team of caring experts at Conservatory at Keller Town Center, our senior living community in Keller, TX, compiled this guide exploring NIHL. Read on for noise-related hearing loss prevention and management strategies.

Mind the Decibels

Decibels, or dB, is a unit of measurement for sound amplitude or intensity. It expresses how loud a sound is from near silence (0 dB). So, a 10 dB increase in sound (e.g., breathing) means it's 10 times louder than near silence, while a 50 dB jump (such as during conversations) indicates it's 50 times louder.

Familiarizing yourself with decibels is crucial because it helps you understand how damaging high dB levels can be to senior hearing health. According to HealthyHearing.com, any sound over 85 dB can result in hearing loss, including:

Lawnmowers: 90 dB
Maximum volume of audio headset players: 105 dB
Sirens, such as those of ambulances, police cars, or fire trucks: 120 dB
Concerts: 120 dB
Sporting events: Ranging from 105 to 130 dB
Fireworks: 140 to 160 dB
Firearm sounds: 150 dB or higher

Over time, exposure to sound between 85 and 120 dB can cause gradual noise-induced hearing loss. However, even a single exposure to noise over 120 dB can cause immediate hearing loss.

Keep the Volume Down

Now that you know more about decibels, the next step is implementing strategies for minimizing your exposure to noises with high dB measurements.

For example, say you love listening to music, which is an excellent choice, as it's one of the best activities for seniors to keep their cognitive and mental functions engaged. Whether you play your favorite tracks aloud (e.g., through speakers) or via earphones, ensure you follow the 60/60 rule. Keep the volume under 60% of the device's maximum level, and rest your ears after 60 minutes.

You may also want to invest in noise-canceling headphones, which prevent unwanted noise from mixing with the tracks you currently listen to. They allow you to enjoy your music with fewer distractions, and the less noise you hear, the less likely you'll need to turn the volume up.

If you can't turn the volume down (e.g., while watching a film in a movie house), choose a seat farther away from the speakers and the screen.

Head to a Quiet Environment

If you've been somewhere noisy, seek refuge in a quiet environment to let your ears recuperate. For example, you can head to a library (one of the many on-site amenities we're proud to have at Conservatory at Keller Town Center). Another idea is to relax and enjoy a blissful spa time (another amenity our senior living community in Keller, TX, offers our residents).

Use Hearing Protection

Earmuffs and earplugs dampen noise intensity. Earmuffs go over the ear, while earplugs go directly into the ear canal. Both effectively protect your ears, but the choice depends on the situation and personal preference.

The primary advantage of earmuffs is that they're easy to fit and use; you only need to put them on correctly. However, since they cover the whole ear and the surrounding skin, using them for extended periods can be uncomfortable, especially in warm and humid areas like Keller, TX.

Conversely, earplugs provide a higher level of protection since they go directly into the ear canal. However, their tiny size can make them slightly tricky to fit, and you may need some time to get used to wearing them.

Managing Existing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss can be permanent, but seniors with this condition should still practice the above prevention strategies to prevent further damage. They can also manage their condition through audiology care and devices, two of the most common of which are hearing aids and cochlear implants.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Diseases (NICDC), around 28.8 million U.S. adults can benefit from hearing aids. Many more have already had cochlear implants (about 118,100 implanted devices).

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are tiny electronic devices that use technology to amplify and clarify sound. You can wear them in or behind your ears.

Here's how hearing aids work:

The device's microphone picks up sound
The sound gets converted from waves to electrical signals
An amplifier in the device boosts the signals' power
A speaker sends the amplified and clarified sound into the ear

Hearing aids come in several types, including:

Behind-the-ear (BTE): Aids made of tiny plastic cases that sit behind the ear and connect to an earpiece or earmold
In-the-ear (ITE): Devices that sit primarily on the outer ear
In-the-canal (ITC): Smaller than ITE aids and are less noticeable, as they fit partially inside the ear canal

Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants are small yet complex devices that help individuals with hearing loss perceive sound. They have an external portion behind the ear and another surgically implanted under the skin. While they don't restore normal hearing, they can provide helpful representations of sounds, allowing people with hearing loss to understand speech better.

Cochlear implants need getting used to, but once a user has adapted, they can:

Identify warning signals
Recognize sounds in the environment
Understand speech over the phone or in person

People with severe hearing loss can be good candidates for cochlear implants if hearing aids don't help.

Don't Let NIHL Stop You From Enjoying Life

Noise-induced hearing loss can be debilitating, so seniors should do everything possible to prevent or manage it. Keeping the volume down, seeking a quiet environment, and using ear protection can all help reduce older adults' risk for NIHL. For those who already have this condition, hearing aids or cochlear implants can be a life-changer.

At Conservatory at Keller Town Center in Keller, TX, our primary goal is to provide our residents with a warm, caring, and relaxing environment. From our library to our spa and serene gardens, we ensure all our residents live peacefully and comfortably.

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