Data from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Diseases (NICDC) shows that disabling hearing loss affects over two in ten American adults aged 65 to 74. The number goes up to over one in two among seniors 75 and older. Some who suffer from this auditory condition also have depression (18% of all adults with moderate to worse hearing loss).
Several hearing impairment types exist, including conductive hearing loss. If left untreated, it can progress to permanent auditory impairment.
To that end, the caring team at TerraBella Lincolnton, our senior living community in Lincolnton, NC, put together this guide on conductive hearing loss. Read on to discover what it is, the culprits behind such senior auditory issues, and the options for hearing restoration.
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sounds can't reach the cochlea in the inner ear because something's wrong with the outer, middle ear, or both. The cochlea is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled organ that converts sound waves into impulses so the brain can interpret them as sound.
Conductive hearing loss causes the following symptoms:
The problem may occur in just one ear (unilateral conductive hearing loss) or affect both ears (bilateral conductive hearing loss).
Conductive hearing loss can result from a simple ear blockage (e.g., ear wax buildup) to more complex conditions like otosclerosis. Let's explore these culprits in more detail below.
Ear wax, also called cerumen, is an oily substance that glands in the ear canal produce to:
While protective, ear wax can accumulate and fail to reach the ear opening, where it should fall out naturally or through washing. Moreover, some people have glands that produce more cerumen than others, per MedlinePlus.gov. Either way, the wax can build up and harden in the canal, causing a blockage and impaction.
Since the body naturally produces ear wax, cerumen buildup is one of the most common causes of conductive hearing loss. It blocks the ear canal, the tube connecting the outer ear to the middle ear, preventing sounds from reaching the cochlea.
Aging also causes the glands that produce cerumen to become drier. The ears can't clean themselves as effectively as they used to, making wax buildup more likely.
A middle ear infection (otitis media) may occur when bacteria or viruses inflame and fill the middle ear with fluid. According to the CDC, ear infections are more common in children; however, adults can still get them through viruses that cause colds.
The inflammation and fluid buildup caused by an ear infection can block sounds, leading to conductive hearing loss.
Ear growths are formations that can be benign (non-cancerous), such as:
Most ear growths are benign, but in some cases, they can be malignant (cancerous). They're typically skin cancers that affect the outer ear, such as:
The Eustachian tubes, which link the middle ears to the back of the throat, have several roles, including:
Unfortunately, ETD can cause the Eustachian tubes to swell or fail to open correctly, disrupting air pressure equalization. When this happens, it can result in:
ETD often occurs due to allergies and colds. However, it may also arise from ear growths or sinusitis (an infection that inflames the sinuses).
Treatment depends on the cause of the conductive hearing loss, but it often starts with active surveillance or "watchful waiting." It involves monitoring the condition for some time and designing a treatment plan if it worsens. If it does, audiology services and treatments may include:
Not all cases of conductive hearing loss are preventable, such as if the culprits are ear growths. However, seniors can still minimize their risks through:
For older adults experiencing difficulty showering or maintaining personal hygiene, please know that help is available through memory care and assisted living communities like TerraBella Lincolnton.
Here, our senior residents can rely on a team of highly experienced and compassionate personal care staff for personalized assistance with daily living activities. Whether they need help with bathing or medication management, our team is always ready to assist them. They also enjoy chef-prepared homestyle dining and a robust events and activities calendar, among many other exclusive senior living programs.
Because conductive hearing loss can worsen or become disabling, older adults must minimize their risks through regular ear checkups and optimal hygiene practices, including bathing and hair washing.
At TerraBella Lincolnton, our professional but compassionate team of personal care providers is always available to assist residents with their personal hygiene needs. Through these supportive services and other amenities, such as our nutritious meal plans and a robust calendar of physical, social, and recreational activities, we aim to help our residents thrive in their golden years.
Contact us today to schedule a tour of our beautiful senior living community in Lincolnton, NC, and discover how we can help you or your loved one live life to the fullest!