Of the health problems that develop with age, hearing loss is a significant concern. However, seniors might not realize that issues with the inner ear can cause problems other than hearing loss. The truth is that seniors who suffer from inner ear issues experience several problems that can impact their quality of life. Seniors with home care services and support from their loved ones can gain a better understanding of these issues to ensure they’re managed properly.
Understanding the Inner Ear
Understanding Common Issues with the Inner Ear
The intricate structure of the inner ear is in charge of both hearing and balance. It is made up of the vestibular system, which aids in balance control, and the cochlea, which is involved in hearing.
A variety of symptoms and complications may arise from issues in these regions, such as the following:
Lightheadedness and Vertigo: One of the most common causes of vertigo in seniors is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This condition happens when microscopic calcium crystals in the inner ear shift around and enter the ear canals, spinning and making them feel lightheaded.
Meniere’s Disease: This disorder is characterized by an accumulation of fluid in the inner ear, which can cause hearing loss, vertigo attacks, tinnitus (ear ringing), and fullness in the ear.
Vestibular Neuritis: Severe dizziness, imbalance issues, and nausea can result from an inflammation of the vestibular nerve.
Presbycusis: Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss. It typically affects both ears, making it harder for seniors to hear, especially in busy surroundings or when noises are high-pitched. Seniors might find themselves relying on home care when struggling with presbycusis, as it also makes it hard to interpret speech.
Tinnitus: Many seniors report ringing, buzzing, or hissing in their ears. The consistent noise can be quite upsetting and may impact their ability to sleep and focus.
Handling Inner Ear Issues: Medical Interventions
When inner ear issues begin to impact seniors’ quality of life, they need to reach out to their medical team to see what strategies might help. With home care, they can develop questions to ask or even practice what they want to say.
Some interventions that might be explored include the following:
Medication: Some medications can help control the symptoms of nausea, vertigo, and lightheadedness. Additionally, diuretics or other treatments may be used when Meniere’s disease is diagnosed to reduce fluid accumulation in the ear.
Hearing Aids: Seniors with hearing loss may communicate and hear much better with the use of hearing aids. If this is the route seniors choose, it’s important to ensure follow-up appointments are completed for adjustments to be made. This helps seniors get the most from their hearing aids. With home care by their side, they gain help making and keeping those appointments, especially if they need transportation.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): This is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on exercises to reduce symptoms of vertigo and improve balance.
Epley Technique: The Epley technique is a sequence of head motions that removes loose crystals from the ear canals. It is believed this can relieve symptoms of vertigo in seniors with BPPV.
Seniors with inner ear issues may experience significant problems with their hearing, balance, and general health. The good news is that with the help of home care and loved one’s support, they can begin to understand these issues and what can be done to remedy them.
Sources: https://vestibular.org/article/coping-support/living-with-a-vestibular-disorder/age-related-dizziness-and-imbalance/balance-aging/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/older-adults-and-balance-problems
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-causes-balance-issues-in-older-adults
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Mountainside NJ, please contact the caring staff at Helping Hands Homecare today. Call (908) 418-4299
Helping Hands Homecare provides Senior Home Care Services throughout Northern and Central New Jersey, including Clark, Westfield, Cranford, Scotch Plains, Rahway, Linden, Summit, Edison, Elizabeth, Mountainside, Short Hills, Millburn, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Kenilworth, Chatham, Madison, Metuchen, and surrounding areas.
After graduating from Seton Hall University with a BS in finance Helping Hands Homecare’s Owner / President, Robert D’Arienzo, went to work on Wall St. for six years. However, after Robert’s grandmother became ill with stomach cancer Robert and his family needed to find assistance in the home for her. After many trials and tribulations Robert could see that there was a great need for quality home care services here in NJ and loved the idea of being able to assist other families who were going through what his family went through with his beloved grandmother.
Thus, Robert had found his passion. After almost a year of preparation Robert opened Helping Hands Homecare in 2003. Robert wanted Helping Hands Homecare to focus on providing the highest quality of caregivers, exceptional customer service, and providing a service that familys could depend on in their time of need. Since then Helping Hands has assisted hundreds of individuals with the simplest of needs to more complex cases while preserving those standards set out many years ago.
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