Senior Dental Health Articles

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

Medicare and Medicaid are the two large government-facilitated healthcare programs in the United States. Their similar names may cause some confusion, but the programs differ in terms of funding, eligibility, intended use, and administration. Medicare is a federal program designed to provide healthcare coverage to retirees. Medicaid provides coverage to low-income individuals and families, and it is administered by a combination of federal and state agencies. While some people qualify for both, the target beneficiaries are different. Medicare Basics Medicare is primarily for people older than 65, though people with certain diseases and disabilities are also included. It has three primary segments. Part A is hospital insurance that covers inpatient care. There generally is no monthly premium paid, because it is covered by payroll taxes paid throughout a person’s working life. Medicare Part B covers other medical expenses such as doctors, outpatient care, and certain home health services. It is meant to supplement Part A, and it generally requires monthly premiums paid by the insured. Medicare Part D is a prescription drug insurance plan, and it also generally requires monthly premiums.  You may have noticed that Medicare Part C isn’t one of the three primary elements of Medicare. Part C does exist, but it functions differently because it offers government-approved health plans available for purchase from private insurance companies. These are often called Medicare Advantage plans, and they function like an HMO or PPO that may be more advantageous or preferable for some individuals. Medicare will typically pay a set portion of the monthly premium, and the insurers must follow certain rules, but variations exist in other plan terms, such as out-of-pocket cost. Medicare is an important piece of most people’s financial plan in retirement because people no longer have coverage through their employer during the years when they are likely to incur most of their healthcare expenses. You can go to the program’s website at medicare.gov for more information regarding costs, eligibility, and to enroll. You should consider all of your likely healthcare needs, as well as your retirement monthly income relative to cash requirements, before deciding which parts of the Medicare program to select. Medicaid Basics Federal and state governments jointly run Medicaid to provide healthcare coverage to low-income Americans, with roughly 25% of the population receiving benefits. [1] The terms and implementation of Medicaid vary state-to-state, meaning eligibility and covered treatments depend on where you live. Generally, eligible people and households can sign up for coverage either through the state program or an approved private insurance company. A combination of state and federal governments will pay for the cost of care. The federal government guarantees to match state expenditure and provide additional programs. Medicaid was expanded significantly in 2010 with the Affordable Care Act, with most states increasing eligibility to those falling within 133% of the federal poverty level. From a financial planning perspective, Medicaid programs have limited applications. If you are unable to afford the healthcare coverage that you need, you should visit your state’s Medicaid website to determine eligibility. It can be a great way to reduce monthly expenses and eliminate the risk of incurring a major future liability from expensive medical procedures. Medicaid comes into play for many seniors, especially those who require home care, nursing homes, or long-term care. Those bills can easily exceed $7,000 monthly in years when retirees are working on fixed budgets without prospects of earned income. Even seniors with sufficient assets to cover those expenses often explore Medicaid trust planning, in which they transfer assets to a trust controlled by a reliable loved one. Funds in the trust would not impact Medicaid eligibility, but those assets could still be distributed for the retiree’s benefit. Steps to Take Medicaid and Medicare are both government-run medical insurance programs, but they are administered in different ways. Many people qualify for both programs, and it is wise to determine eligibility if you are a senior, disabled, or from a low-income household. Ryan Downie is a consultant and former equity research analyst and financial planner with a BA in economics from Notre Dame. Sources: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/program-information/medicaid-and-chip-enrollment-data/report-highlights/index.html

In retirement, you have options for collecting Social Security benefits. This can be a confusing or stressful decision that can have major ramifications, and there’s no going back once you’ve selected a path. Since there no universal rule exists to optimize retirement, the best option depends on a number of factors, including your birth year, how much you have paid into the system, other sources of income, and anticipated lifestyle and healthcare needs. Ultimately, the decision should be made in the context of an overall financial plan, and you should focus on ensuring your cash flow needs will be covered. Different Benefits at Different Ages Seniors can start collecting Social Security retirement benefits at any point between the ages of 62 and 70. The full retirement age is currently 66 years and two months, but it is rising to 67 for people born after 1960, and it may continue to rise. Delaying collection will increase the amount you receive. If you start collecting at 62, you will only receive 70% of your full benefit, whereas delaying payments to 70 will result in monthly distributions of 124% of your full retirement benefit. In 2021, the maximum monthly benefit for someone beginning payments at age 62 will be $2,324. The maximum for someone starting payments at 70 will be $3,895. For reference, the average retiree is collecting just over $1,500 each month, but the age dynamics are the same regardless of benefit level. The bonus for delaying Social Security payments is one of the trickiest factors in determining retirement age. Having cash now is a good thing, but having larger guaranteed monthly payments is also important. From the standpoint of total aggregate income through average life expectancy, full retirement age is the best time to start taking benefits. People in the United States who reach 65 years of age have a life expectancy of approximately 82.5. This means that somebody taking the maximum monthly payout at age 62 would collect, on average, $571,704. That same person choosing to delay collection until age 70 would receive $584,250 through average life expectancy. Starting at 66 and two months tops both of those, leading to lifetime collections of $610,148. The system is designed around life expectancy, so this should not be surprising. Unfortunately, the decision isn’t as simple as maximizing total benefits. While starting at 62 will reduce the amount you collect each month, that head start will take almost 16 years to overcome in terms of cumulative income if you wait until full retirement. Retirees need to focus on balancing monthly cash flows. The Rest of Your Financial Plan The major risks in retirement generally revolve around covering cash needs. Retirees may fall into lower tax brackets and no longer need income to pay off a mortgage, build savings, or support children. However, healthcare spending will likely rise, and freeing up 40 hours each week means that retirees deal with the clichéd “every day is a Saturday.” Inflation drives up the cost of living, and commonplace luxuries like cell phones and internet can cause basic lifestyle spending to rise. Retirees should be realistic about these monthly or annual cash outflows, build in some wiggle room for uncertainty, and analyze their budget relative to sources of income. Many people have accumulated savings in retirement accounts or investment portfolios, and most planners believe that you can withdraw 3% of the total value of these accounts each year safely. Many people also have pensions or private annuities that will deliver guaranteed income in retirement. If a cash flow shortfall occurs in retirement, taking Social Security at 62 may be the only viable option. If the early years are fine, but you are concerned about healthcare expenses in your 80s, then it might make sense to delay as long as possible. The right age to take Social Security benefits depends on many factors, and you should base the decision on cash needs in the context of an overall plan. Ryan Downie is a consultant and former equity research analyst and financial planner with a BA in economics from Notre Dame. Sources: https://www.nasi.org/learn/socialsecurity/retirement-age#:~:text=Currently%2C%20the%20full%20benefit%20age,they%20will%20be%20reduced%20more https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/examplemax.html https://www.ssa.gov/history/lifeexpect.html