Senior Dental Health Articles

There are multiple types of hearing loss, and one of them is sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). It’s important to know about it, including what can cause it and how it can be treated, because once you’re informed, you can take steps to protect or improve your own hearing or that of your loved ones.  Ready to dive into this topic? Keep reading to access some helpful information.    What is sensorineural hearing loss? Put simply, sensorineural hearing loss—a common cause of permanent hearing loss—occurs when the inner ear is damaged. For example, the auditory nerve or the tiny hair cells might be damaged, and that may result in loss of hearing.  When this hearing loss develops, it could be mild, moderate, or severe, and it might also cause a total loss of hearing. Also, it might happen in one or both ears.  If you experience SNHL, you might notice symptoms like the following: Trouble hearing people when they’re speaking, especially women and children Difficulty hearing sounds that are high-pitched Difficulty hearing when you’re in an environment with loud noise or background noise Tinnitus Trouble balancing Dizziness These symptoms may occur gradually, so you might not immediately realize that anything is wrong. However, if you develop sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), you may notice your hearing has changed over the course of days or even more rapidly than that.  What can cause sensorineural hearing loss? This type of hearing loss can develop at some point in a person’s life or it might be present at birth.  Although it isn’t always possible to pinpoint the cause of sensorineural hearing loss, some of the potential causes include: Aging Illness, such as from a viral infection or autoimmune disorder Meniere's disease Exposure to loud noises  Tumor Trauma to the head  Certain medications Genetics Can sensorineural hearing loss be treated? Good news: with the help of a doctor, you might be able to get a hearing aid that will help you hear better if you’re diagnosed with SNHL! You can also try using other tools, such as a phone amplifier, to see if they’re helpful as well.   If the hearing loss is severe, your doctor might recommend getting a cochlear implant, which would need to be surgically placed. Learning speech reading and sign language might also be beneficial.  Work with your doctor to keep track of your hearing As you get older, you might notice that your ability to hear starts to change. Or, you might experience an injury or be exposed to super loud noises that lead to changes in your hearing. When you notice that something isn’t right, it’s best to let your doctor know as soon as possible so you can figure out what’s going on and receive the right treatment.  Another great way to keep track of your hearing is by seeing a doctor for a hearing test on a regular basis. By having a professional check your ability to hear sounds at various pitches, you might be able to find changes or problems in their earliest stages, maybe even before you notice anything is different. Whether your hearing loss is the result of the normal aging process or a condition that should be addressed, your doctor can be there to guide you.        Sources:  https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/sensorineural-hearing-loss/   https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003291.htm   https://www.healthline.com/health/sensorineural-hearing-loss   https://www.hearingloss.org/hearing-help/hearing-loss-basics/types-causes-and-treatment/   https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hearing-loss/types-of-hearing-loss   https://www.hear-it.org/Sensorineural-hearing-loss   https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/sensorineural-hearing-loss/

Have you noticed that you’re having trouble hearing? This can be incredibly frustrating, and it can get in the way of your ability to enjoy life. But there’s no need to live with hearing loss. Seeing a doctor can help you pinpoint the cause, and you might also discover that getting a hearing aid is the simple solution to hearing better.  There are different types of hearing aids available, so you might be wondering how you can go about selecting the one that’s right for you. We’re here to help with the brief guide below.  What are the different types of hearing aids? To be able to choose the right hearing aid, you first need to have a basic understanding of the various options a doctor might recommend based on the type of hearing loss you’ve experienced. And the great news is you can find a hearing aid that’s so small no one will even know you’re wearing it! Think about how large you want a hearing aid to be, and how you’d like it to fit on or in your ear. This can help you narrow down your options. Just keep in mind that your doctor will be able to confirm whether a specific type of hearing aid will be able to improve your ability to hear, as different products may be designed for different types and levels of hearing loss.  Here are some of the main types of hearing aids to consider: Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aid – Part of this hearing aid sits behind the ear and another part of it sits in the ear canal. The Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aid has similar features. This design might be a good choice if you don’t want it to be obvious to others that you’re wearing a hearing aid. Open-fit hearing aid – This hearing aid is less obvious, and it’s similar to the BTE type. It doesn’t cover the ear canal, so it helps you hear certain frequencies that you have trouble with, while allowing others to be heard naturally. In the Ear (ITE) hearing aid – This type of hearing aid sits inside your ear canal. Some of these are more obvious than others, depending on their size and how deeply into the ear canal they sit. Examples include Completely in the Canal (CIC) and In the Canal (ITC) models.  A high-tech hearing aid can make life easier Modern advancements have made hearing aids better than ever. Today, you can talk to your doctor about various hearing aids, but you can also discuss myriad features that make them even more effective and easier to use. One feature you might want to consider is a rechargeable battery. Rather than having to worry about tiny batteries that you’d need to change regularly, you can go with a hearing aid that you can recharge over and over again. Super convenient! Bluetooth technology built into a hearing aid can be a fun feature you might want to take advantage of. With this tech, you can connect your hearing aid to a mobile device or computer so you can enjoy entertainment and phone calls.   The most important things are comfort and effectiveness! No matter which type of hearing aid you go with, and regardless of how advanced it is, what you really want is for it to be effective and comfortable.  Even though you might be concerned about how visible a hearing aid will be, it’s wise to focus more on finding the product that will improve your hearing without any feedback. Your doctor can help you select a hearing aid that fits perfectly and is simple for you to set in place and use daily. It might take some trial and error, but once you start using the right hearing aid, you may never want to go back to life without it!       Sources: https://www.drugs.com/cg/how-to-choose-a-hearing-aid.html https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116 https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/choosing-a-hearing-aid.html https://newtonhearing.com/2019/04/16/what-is-an-open-fit-hearing-aid/ https://ilovehearing.com/2020/03/23/hearing-aid-styles-explained/ http://www.srinivasentclinic.com/hearingaids.html  

Do you hear a ringing, clicking, buzzing, humming, or hissing sound in one or both ears, even though those sounds aren’t in your environment? You might have tinnitus. And you probably want to get rid of this annoying, frustrating problem as soon as possible.  Your doctor will be able to evaluate your ears and discuss your symptoms to figure out what’s going on. But if it’s tinnitus, is there anything you can do? Below, we discuss some of the treatment options that are available. Treatment options for Tinnitus Tinnitus could be a temporary ailment or it could be chronic, and the treatment your doctor will recommend may be based on whether it’s a long-term or short-term problem.  If you can determine the cause of the ringing in your ears, and you’re able to fix the problem, your tinnitus may go away. For instance, if you have a buildup of wax in your ear and you remove the wax, your tinnitus symptoms might subside. Or, if you were exposed to very loud music or noise, you might experience temporary tinnitus that will go away on its own.    Unfortunately, when it comes to chronic tinnitus, your doctor might not have a way to get rid of it. For example, if your tinnitus is caused by hearing loss, there might not be much that you can do. Instead, the focus may be on helping you pay less attention to the ringing in your ears so it doesn’t get in the way of daily activities.  Here are some examples of the ways you can manage tinnitus: Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) - The goal of this treatment is to help you become less aware of the tinnitus, sort of like when you become used to other types of background noise to the point that you’re no longer bothered by it because your brain isn’t focused on it. Through therapy and the use of a device like a sound generator in the ear, TRT might help improve your quality of life. Noise suppressing or masking device - This type of device is similar to a hearing aid because you place it in your ear. It produces sounds that may help block out tinnitus. A doctor can help you get the right type of device for your symptoms so you can achieve the best results.  Medications - Some medications might be helpful in managing tinnitus, and your doctor might be able to recommend a few options. Some people might get relief if they take an anti-anxiety medicine or an antidepressant. But if there’s a health problem causing the tinnitus, a medication that tackles that ailment may be the solution. White noise machine - Tinnitus might be super bothersome when your environment is quiet because you may notice it more when there are no other sounds to distract you. In that case, a white noise machine might be effective. It works by creating the background noise that can help you focus less on the ringing in your ear.   Addressing the underlying conditions causing Tinnitus As mentioned above, tinnitus might be a symptom of an underlying problem. So, you may be able to reduce or get rid of the tinnitus by properly treating the condition that’s causing it.  For instance, if your tinnitus has come about because of hearing loss, using a hearing aid might help, but this may depend on the type of hearing loss you’ve developed. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing tinnitus because there’s too much wax in your ear, a doctor can help by removing all of that excess wax safely.  Blood vessel conditions and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) are two examples of health problems that might lead to tinnitus. Receiving the appropriate care and medicine for those problems might be all you need to start getting some relief. In some cases, a medication might cause tinnitus as a side effect. If that happens, you might be able to use a different product that won’t have the same effect on your ears. Simple enough! Don’t hesitate to get help for your Tinnitus Tinnitus can be a difficult condition to deal with every day, but there are things you can do about it, even if you can’t eliminate it. Go ahead and talk to a doctor about your symptoms. You might be surprised by the many different methods that can be used to deal with this common problem, so you don’t have to keep living with it if it’s getting in the way or taking a toll on your quality of life.      Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350162   https://www.ata.org/managing-your-tinnitus/treatment-options https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-tinnitus-treatment https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/tinnitus/treatment https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156 https://www.miracle-ear.com/hearing-diseases/tinnitus-ringing-ears/ear-ringing-myths-and-facts

Age-related hearing loss is also known as presbycusis. It’s the gradual loss of hearing that might occur in both of your ears as you get older.  Many seniors have some degree of hearing loss—in the U.S., roughly 50% of people over 85, and around 33% of individuals over 65, are affected. But this type of hearing loss might occur earlier than you expect, as some people show signs of it by their 30s.        The harsh truth is you can’t reverse this type of hearing loss, and it might end up being a part of your body’s aging process. But there are some things you can do about it. What should you know about age-related hearing loss so you can take better care of yourself? We’ve got you covered with some helpful information below. The symptoms of age-related hearing loss Although symptoms might be different from one person to the next, when this hearing loss occurs, you may have trouble hearing and understanding people during conversations, and you may have difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds. There might also be tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and you might have trouble figuring out where sounds are coming from.   Also, you might find that, when listening to someone talking to you, they sound like they are mumbling, so it’s hard to make out their words. A man’s voice might be clearer because it’s deeper than a woman’s voice. And, if there is background noise, you may find it even harder to hear and understand what someone is saying. As you probably imagine, this can become extremely frustrating.  The thing to keep in mind is that this type of hearing loss doesn’t usually come on suddenly. Instead, it tends to occur little by little, worsening over time as you lose the ability to hear different pitches and volumes. So, you might not notice that you’re losing your hearing at first. The people around you, however, might notice that you can’t hear them as well, you’re talking louder than you used to, or you need to increase the volume on the TV more than you used to.   The causes of age-related hearing loss As the name implies, age-related hearing loss might simply be a result of changes that occur as your body ages. But this isn’t the only possible cause. For example, certain health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, might lead to this type of hearing loss, or you might inherit this problem if you have a family history of it.  Also, your lifestyle might play a role in whether or not you develop age-related hearing loss. For example, if you’re often in an environment with loud noise, it might increase the odds of losing your hearing. And taking certain medications or smoking might be other risk factors to consider.  What can be done about presbycusis? Because you might not realize that you’re experiencing age-related hearing loss, especially in its early stages, it’s a good idea to have your ears examined and your hearing tested regularly. That way, your doctor can alert you to changes in your ability to hear, even if you aren’t yet aware of them.  In the event that you’re diagnosed with this condition, your doctor might be able to prescribe a hearing aid that will help you hear better. So, even though it isn’t reversible, you might be able to tackle this problem quite easily.  Take steps to protect your hearing! Leading a healthy lifestyle and taking steps to protect your hearing is wise, even while you’re young and you aren’t really thinking about hearing loss. By taking smart steps today, you might be able to prevent problems in the future.  For example, if you enjoy listening to music with earbuds, don’t set the volume too high. Avoid situations in which you’d be exposed to loud noise, especially for extended periods of time. And wear earplugs to help protect your ears when you can’t avoid loud sounds.  Remember, age-related hearing loss can’t be undone, but you might be able to use a hearing aid. And trips to an audiologist to have your hearing tested often can help you find out if you’re losing your hearing and need to do something about it..      Sources: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/a/age-related-hearing-loss-presbycusis.html https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/age-related-hearing-loss/   

You might think about getting your teeth and gums checked at least once a year and going to the eye doctor annually might also be on your to-do list. But have you thought about checking your hearing? If you’re like a lot of people, you might not be aware of the importance of having your ears and hearing checked on a regular basis. To learn why this should become a part of your routine for maintaining overall health as you get older, check out the information below. Your hearing diminishes with age As you get older, your hearing may start to diminish. You might not realize that it’s happening but hearing loss could begin when you’re in your 40s, and some people are affected when they’re even younger than that. So this isn’t something that only occurs in your senior years.   Hearing loss caused by age typically develops little by little over time, but a simple test that uses sounds of varying pitches and loudness can help a doctor figure out how well you can hear. Having your hearing checked by a professional is the best way to determine if you’re losing some of your ability to hear, or if your hearing is where it’s expected to be for your age. Note: Aging isn’t the only cause of hearing loss. For example, it might be the result of trauma, damage, infection, or disease. Also, certain health problems, like diabetes and hypertension, might contribute to loss of hearing. Symptoms that may indicate you need to test your hearing Although hearing loss might happen without you realizing it at first, there are some symptoms to watch out for. If you experience any the following, it’s a good idea to make an appointment to get your hearing checked: You tend to speak loudly to the point that others ask you to lower your voice You have trouble hearing others when they’re speaking, and you often need to ask them to repeat themselves You have trouble hearing the TV and need to turn the volume up high, to the point that others complain about it It’s difficult to have a conversation with someone when there’s noise in the background You have ringing in your ears that won’t go away You can’t hear higher pitched sounds What can be done if you’ve lost some of your hearing? A test can help you get answers if you want to know how well you can hear, and whether your hearing is normal for your age. Plus, it may also help a doctor figure out what’s causing the symptoms you’re experiencing. So, to track your hearing through the years and catch problems in their earliest stages, consider having your hearing checked on a regular basis. This simple step might alert you to other medical problems that are causing your hearing issues. And it might also give you a warning that you need to change your lifestyle (such as by avoiding noisy environments) to prevent further hearing loss.  Bottom line: By getting your hearing checked regularly, you can figure out if there’s any loss, and you can also work on finding out why you’re losing your hearing. Then, with a doctor’s guidance, you may be able to take steps to prevent additional hearing loss, or you might be provided with hearing aids that can help you hear better. How often should you get a hearing test? Hearing tests are available for people of all ages, including babies. While children might be screened once every few years, adults might want to test their hearing once every decade. Then, once you reach 50, testing your hearing once every three years is a good idea. Of course, if your doctor gives you different recommendations, you can follow those instead.  Unfortunately, hearing loss isn’t reversible, but if you’re proactive and have your hearing checked on a regular basis throughout your life, you might be able to receive valuable insight into what you can do to preserve your hearing as best as possible.         Sources: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hearing-tests-for-adults https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hearing-tests https://medicalhearingsystems.com/hearing-test/why-its-important-to-have-your-hearing-tested-regularly/ https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/hearing-screening/ https://www.consumerreports.org/hearing-ear-care/do-you-need-a-hearing-test/

In retirement, seniors can certainly expect federal and state programs to cover some medical costs; however, most dental and vision care services will require either out-of-pocket payment or the purchase of a standalone plan. Once earned income stops flowing in, retirement financial planning can be a stressful and intimidating task. Here is some information on dental and vision care to help with retirement planning. Medicare Most retirees qualify for Medicare coverage after age 65. Medicare Part A, the coverage that is provided without premium to seniors, provides insurance for inpatient and hospital expenses, but it would only apply to dental and vision care administered during hospital stays or in emergency situations. Medicare Part A would not pay for most dental and vision care. Supplemental and elective portions of the Medicare program allow people to pay premiums for expanded coverage. Of note to dental and vision care are Medicare Part B and Part C. Part B is meant to address outpatient services, doctor visits, and preventive care, but it is limited for dental and vision. Cataract surgery, prosthetics for some complicated issues, and certain screenings fall under Part B, whereas routine exams and corrective lenses do not. Similarly, Part B will pay for dental care in complex cases related to surgeries or larger systemic medical issues, while routine visits, cleanings, extractions, dentures, and similar services do not fall under the plan. Private insurance companies that adhere to certain guidelines offer Medicare Part C, also known as a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. This plan is meant to replace Parts A and B, while providing other features that individuals may prefer. The terms and features of MA insurance vary among carriers and packages, but they frequently provide coverage for routine care including dental and vision. This typically requires a higher monthly premium than policyholders would pay otherwise, but the benefits are obvious for people who want to avoid paying out-of-pocket for certain services. Medicaid Medicaid may also be a viable option for some people in retirement. This federal and state program provides coverage to low-income individuals and households, and 11% of Americans above the age of 65 are enrolled in those plans. Eligibility criteria vary from state to state, but it may be wise for seniors who are struggling to meet their monthly cash expenses to explore these options. The services that fall under Medicaid vary among states, but Medicaid may pick up many routine exams and urgent procedures not covered by Medicare. Private Insurance Finally, seniors can also purchase standalone policies from private insurers that cover the gaps left by Medicare. Major health insurance carriers offer plans that will pay in part or in whole for routine dental and vision services. These plans can be purchased in the healthcare marketplace, and monthly premiums typically range from $15 to $60 for each.  Planning Ahead When planning for vision and dental care in retirement, meeting regular and unexpected cash flow requirements will be among the chief issues that must be addressed, and retirees should be realistic about their medical expenses when determining their budgets. Dental and vision care are necessary for many people, and these services are almost certainly going to come with expenses that must be factored into decisions pertaining to retirement age, Social Security payments, and distributions from retirement accounts. Ryan Downie is a consultant and former equity research analyst and financial planner with a BA in economics from Notre Dame. Sources:  https://www.prb.org/majority-of-people-covered-by-medicaid-and-similar-programs/#:~:text=Adults%20ages%2065%20and%20older,represent%20just%20under%202%20percent. https://www.ehealthmedicare.com/medicare-coverage-articles/medicare-vision-benefits/ https://www.healthmarkets.com/content/medicare-part-b-dental-coverage https://www.hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-medicaid/what-is-medicare-part-c/index.html