As seniors age, their bodies undergo many changes, and their general health needs more care and attention. Hearing loss and diabetes are only two diseases affecting many older people, but they both can impact their day-to-day functioning. And now, recent research has shown there may be a link between them. Continue reading to learn more about that possible link and how home care providers can help.
Shared Risks Between Hearing Loss and Diabetes
Seniors are more likely to get both hearing loss and diabetes because of some of the same risk factors, including age. Both conditions are also more likely to happen if seniors have a family history of either of them. Also, smoking, eating poorly, being inactive, and prolonged exposure to loud noises can increase the chance of hearing loss and diabetes.
Hearing loss and diabetes also affects how well seniors live. Seniors with untreated hearing loss may feel lonely, depressed, and anxious because they have trouble communicating and can’t fully join in social activities. Additionally, diabetes can cause a number of problems, such as heart disease, nerve damage, and vision loss. These health problems make seniors’ lives even less enjoyable and limit their freedom and well-being.
What Is the Possible Link Between Diabetes and Hearing Loss?
Recent studies have found a strong link between seniors’ hearing loss and their risk of getting diabetes. Diabetes can damage the inner ear’s tiny blood vessels and nerves, making it harder for the ear to send and receive sound messages. This can cause sensorineural hearing loss, which is the most common kind of hearing loss in people over the age of 65. High blood sugar levels caused by diabetes can also cause inflammation and chemical stress, which can further hurt the inner ear’s delicate structures.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment Are Essential
Seniors need to find and treat hearing loss and diabetes as soon as possible to maintain their quality of life. Home health aids can help monitor their condition to ensure even the smallest signs and symptoms are documented. Hearing tests should be a standard part of regular health checks, as should blood sugar management. In addition, seniors should strive to live a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise and a balanced diet, to avoid complications and give them the best chance at overall health and well-being.
Home care aids can also encourage seniors to utilize assisted devices to help them maintain their health. This means using devices like hearing aids or cochlear implants for hearing loss and learning all they can about managing their diabetes.
Hearing loss and diabetes are common health problems in seniors, and it’s important not to ignore the link between them. The shared risk factors, effects on quality of life, and two-way connection between these conditions show how important it is to get help as soon as possible. It’s important for loved ones to have open communication with seniors about the link between hearing loss and diabetes if they are affected by either of them and give them the tools they need to effectively manage their care.
Ultimately, home care aids can work to give seniors top priority for care and ensure they attend regular screenings to improve their general health and ensure they can continue to live full, active lives.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-hearing-loss
https://diabetes.org/diabetes/diabetes-and-hearing-loss
https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/hearing-and-balance/diabetes-and-hearing-loss/
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care in Suwanee, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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