Tinnitus is described as a ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in the ears. It affects people of all ages, although it is especially common in seniors. This, coupled with a concern about hearing loss, can cause a great deal of stress for seniors, which might result in them not talking to anyone about their symptoms. Because of this, it’s up to loved ones and home care providers to work together to help seniors understand what tinnitus is and how it may affect them.

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a symptom of a larger problem rather than a disorder in and of itself. Common causes include:

• Presbycusis: Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is a natural decline in hearing function that frequently leads to tinnitus.
• Exposure to Loud Noises: Loud noises can harm the sensitive components of the inner ear over time.
• Medical Issues: High blood pressure, ear infections, and certain neurological diseases can all cause tinnitus.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain antibiotics and strong doses of aspirin might cause or aggravate tinnitus.
• Stress and Anxiety: Psychological stress can worsen tinnitus symptoms by increasing the brain’s sensitivity to internal sounds.

Challenges for Seniors with Tinnitus

Tinnitus can have a substantial impact on a senior’s quality of life. Persistent noise can interrupt sleep, interfere with attention, and cause mental distress. For some, it can also increase feelings of isolation or despair, particularly if they already have age-related hearing loss.

This is where home care comes in, offering a supportive resource for seniors to explore these feelings and gain the confidence they need to talk with their medical team, as well as much-needed companionship.

Helping Seniors Manage Tinnitus

Although there is no clear treatment for tinnitus, taking certain steps can help seniors relieve symptoms and enhance their general well-being. For instance, making healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way, such as maintaining a balanced diet. Consuming foods high in antioxidants and magnesium may help prevent cellular damage in the ears.

Also, regular exercise enhances blood circulation, which benefits the auditory system. Additionally, relaxation practices such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help reduce stress, which, as mentioned, frequently aggravates tinnitus.

Seeking Professional Support

Home care providers and loved ones can encourage seniors to visit an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist who can provide helpful information as well as conduct testing to determine the presence and severity of tinnitus. Additionally, seniors can be encouraged to explore if hearing aids might help with their tinnitus, as modern devices frequently contain tinnitus-masking technologies that create soothing sounds to reduce symptoms.

Another source that might help is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which can help seniors reframe their reactions to tinnitus.

Caring for seniors who have tinnitus requires patience and empathy, but there are ways to educate them about the issues and encourage them to take proactive steps, such as talking to their medical team or making positive lifestyle changes. Ultimately, tinnitus does not have to take over a senior’s life, especially with home care and loved ones by their side.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Burlingame, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care today at (415) 463-1400

Aviva In-Home Care provides exceptional senior home care in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, and surrounding areas.

Sources:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156
• https://mwent.net/tinnitus-awareness-understanding-and-managing-the-sounds-within/
• https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/tinnitus-and-quality-of-life

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Evan Loevner

CEO at Aviva In-Home Care

As a former hospital administrator, I launched Aviva with the goal of having a more focused, direct impact on the delivery of care than I could ever accomplish within a hospital setting. For me, the joy of running an organization like Aviva In-Home Care is having the ability to positively improve the lives of individuals needing customized care. As a passionate Bay Area resident, I know that many local seniors can benefit from new approaches to in-home care, that will bring them more connection to the community, and provide families with a greater sense of comfort that their loved one is indeed matched with an ideal caregiver.

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