No matter what age; take action for a Healthier Brain. Challenge your brain every day to reduce chances of developing dementia. Play a musical instrument. Be socially active. Choose a healthy lifestyle by eating a diet rich in dark-colored fruits and vegetables for healthy food choices. Be active with moderate physical activity to maintain cardiovascular health to reduce risks of heart attacks, stroke, and diabetes. Protect your head. Brain injuries, especially repeated concussions, are risk factors for later development of dementia. Risk factors that cannot be controlled are aging and genetics. Check Happy Neuron to maintain and/or improve your quality of life.
Community News
Do Hearing Aids Help Tinnitus?
Hearing is one of the most vital senses. As we age, however, we may experience difficulties in this area. While hearing loss is common and well-known in older adults, tinnitus is a sign of auditory disfunction that affects our ability to hear as well. It can present itself as an irritating and encompassing ringing, hissing, or buzzing noise that is seemingly impossible to eliminate. There are two main types, subjective and objective, where the former and most common type can only be heard by the patient and the latter may be detectable by a doctor. Tinnitus may only impact one ear or both, and its persistence can ebb and flow depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Chronic tinnitus may cause you to feel frequently disoriented. It can have an impact similar to hearing loss because you may find it difficult to understand and engage in conversations. Unfortunately, without proper treatment, some individuals may unnecessarily suffer for years while the condition goes untreated.
Living with tinnitus is possible. Although there is no cure, a proper diagnosis can lead to a specialized plan to allow those afflicted to live their lives more like they once did. In addition, recommendations from a hearing healthcare professional can help alleviate stress and ensure your symptoms are managed. With that in mind, do hearing aids help with tinnitus? Where does this condition come from? And when should you see a hearing healthcare professional? Read on to learn the answers to these questions. We’ll also provide a bit more information about tinnitus.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Sometimes, an exact cause cannot be found for someone’s tinnitus. However, lifestyle can be taken into account and may play a role in the severity of this condition. Risks can include overexposure to loud noises, aging, and certain health problems and diseases.
You may experience tinnitus due to an ear infection or canal blockage. An ear infection is caused by a virus or bacteria that creates fluid buildup in the eardrum. As a result, you’ll experience pain and swelling, sometimes causing permanent damage in the process. Similarly, your ears could also be blocked by excessive wax, dirt, or other debris. All of these possibilities will result in increased pressure in this confined area.
If you have recently been in a car accident or another incident that leads to some kind of head or neck trauma, the force of the impact can cause tinnitus. This is because the condition is linked to the brain in addition to the ears. Therefore, any strain on that area of the body could change its normal functionality and thus cause ripple effects to your senses.
In addition, medications like antibiotics may also cause tinnitus or worsen its symptoms. The unwanted ringing may sometimes dissipate when the drug is stopped. However, halting a prescription without consulting your doctor can be dangerous, so ensure you discuss with them first if you think a medication may be causing your tinnitus.
How Can a Hearing Aid Help?
You may be wondering, do hearing aids help with tinnitus? Or can a hearing aid stop tinnitus? In many cases, wearing one of these devices can reduce the symptoms of this condition and can sometimes eliminate the unwanted sound completely. Hearing aids are capable of controlling several elements of your hearing, thanks to innovations in hearing aid technology, an industry that is always evolving to suit the needs of individuals better. With various brands and styles, a solution from your hearing healthcare professional is likely available to those suffering from tinnitus symptoms.
Another improvement is due to an increase in background noise. Hearing cars driving by, drops of rain, and footsteps more clearly can help filter out or even cover up the ringing or buzzing. Some hearing aids also have Bluetooth capabilities or white noise options, so you can listen to some kind of sound no matter the time of day. With your brain stimulated by these noises, it can help reteach your mind which signals to deliver and which ones to ignore.
One of the main complications of living with tinnitus is stress, which can cause your condition to flare up, becoming increasingly difficult to manage. As a result, you’ll likely be left frustrated and fatigued. With hearing aids, you can reduce your stress levels, thereby feeling more in control of your sensory experience.
Since tinnitus can also affect your sleep because the sound you hear may be increasingly difficult to ignore at night, learning to live day-to-day with hearing aids may help lessen its impact in the evening. It is recommended you remove your hearing aids before going to bed for safety purposes, but your brain may learn to quiet these noises since its ability to do is being stretched and flexed during the daytime. You’ll also likely be more engaged in everyday activities, enjoy a profound sense of calmness, and may notice sounds you have not experienced in a long time.
It is important to note that hearing aids are not a cure for tinnitus. They can only provide auditory stimulation to help with the uncomfortable symptoms of this condition.
Should I Schedule an Appointment with a Hearing Professional?
Once your hearing has impacted your ability to accomplish and engage in everyday tasks, you should make an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional. This is especially true if your tinnitus has affected your ability to walk, causing you bouts of dizziness or leaving you uncoordinated.
A hearing care professional can be available to listen to your symptoms, perform important tests, and offer you a thorough diagnosis that can be explained in terms you can understand.
Auditory health is a part of your overall well-being. When one of your senses struggles to perform as it once did, it can be challenging to understand what is happening or how to move forward with the things you enjoy doing. Everyone’s hearing needs are unique and require a personalized approach for effective management. By understanding your unique circumstances, a HearingLife hearing professional can develop a comprehensive plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
Take the first step towards better hearing by booking a free hearing test at any HearingLife clinic near you.
New Short-Term Respite Care
Respite care is part of the long-term care continuum, yet publicly funded respite care beds are limited in their availability and demand for them is growing. For this reason, Providence Living is exploring how to provide short-term, private-pay respite services at The Views at St. Joseph’s in Comox. This service will address the care gap for families who need respite for a loved one but don’t qualify for a publicly funded bed. The short-term respite program launched on June 05, 2023. This private room has its own sink and toilet, and the daily fee includes all meals, 24-hour nursing care, activities, outings, and much more.
Summer Safety for Seniors (need new title)
Seniors with limited mobility face unique challenges when dealing with hot weather. Limited mobility can restrict their ability to seek shade or cool environments, putting them at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Aging bodies may have difficulty regulating body temperature, making seniors more susceptible to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Dehydration is another concern, as older individuals may have decreased thirst sensations or be on medications that increase water loss. It is crucial to ensure seniors have access to well-ventilated spaces, proper hydration, and appropriate clothing to minimize heat-related risks. Regular check-ins and assistance from caregivers or family members can help seniors navigate the heat safely.
Sports Betting Lingo Confusion
Straight bet? Parlay? Futures? Propositions (prop bets)? Teaser? What do all these terms mean? Puck line? Money line? Run line? What’s going on? Sports betting seems to have taken on a life of its own. If you are confused, overwhelmed or seeking clarity, please reach out to VI Gaming Support. Not only are we here to support people who are negatively impacted by problematic gambling behaviour, we also offer workshops, seminars, and webinars to raise awareness about gambling in its many forms, whether it is online or in person. Contact us today to find out more.
Time to De-Clutter
As we move from the wet and cool spring months into our warmer and sunnier summer months, we are reminded of renewal and growth. A sure way of bringing some clarity in life and making room for growth is through spring cleaning. When we de-clutter our surroundings, we help to de-clutter our minds, and therefore better engage in the world around us. Take the time through the warmer month of June and do that spring cleaning of your surroundings and mind!
Treating Heat-Related Health Problems
Summer is here and so is the heat! While many people enjoy the hot weather, it’s important to be proactive and safe when the temperature starts to rise. Some common heat-related issues include 1) Dehydration – weakness, headache and fainting. Drink more water and electrolytes. 2) Heat stroke – body temp. of 40°C or higher, fast pulse, hot and dry skin. Cool down with shade/AC and water and get medical attention. 3) Heat exhaustion – heavy sweating, weakness, nausea. Cool down with shade/AC and drink plenty of fluids. 4) Heat syncope – fainting caused by high temperatures. Lie down with your feet up and drink plenty of water.
Prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Hearing is a vital sense that allows us to connect with the world around us. However, it’s easy to take it for granted. According to a report by the World Health Organization, hearing loss is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue worldwide, affecting an estimated 1.5 billion people.
There are many factors that can contribute to hearing loss. One of the leading causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Loud noises are encountered everywhere in your daily routine, from the sounds of busy traffic, construction sites, concerts, listening to music and even the TV.
The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable!
Here are some steps you can take to protect your hearing from loud noises:
Wear earplugs or earmuffs:
Sounds are considered harmful when they exceed 85 dB, which is similar to the loudness of heavy traffic.
Exposure to loud noises can damage the sensory hair cells in the cochlea. The cochlea is a shell-like organ in the inner ear where sounds are converted into electrical signals. This damage can lead to both hearing loss and the development of tinnitus, which is characterized by a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. Wearing earplugs or earmuffs can be a simple yet effective way to protect your ears.
However, it’s important to choose the right type of earplugs or earmuffs for your needs. Make sure they are comfortable to wear, fit well, and provide adequate noise reduction. If you’re not sure which type to choose, consult a hearing healthcare professional or audiologist who can recommend the best option for you.
Turn down the volume:
It’s also important to be mindful of our listening habits. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.1 billion young people are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to loud music or noise through headphones or earphones.
If you’re someone who enjoys listening to music or podcasts through headphones, try to keep the volume at a reasonable level. As a general rule of thumb, if someone can hear the music coming from your headphones while standing beside you, the volume is too high! A good way to ensure that your volume is at a safe level is to use the 60/60 rule. This rule recommends listening to music at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. Afterward, give your ears a break for at least 5-10 minutes to recover.
Take breaks:
If you’re exposed to loud noises for extended periods, take breaks in quieter environments to give your ears time to recover. Taking just a five-minute break every hour can significantly reduce the risk of hearing damage from loud noise exposure. So, if you’re in a loud environment for a prolonged period, try to take short breaks regularly to give your ears a chance to recover.
While hearing loss prevention is important, it’s also essential to get regular hearing tests. Many people don’t realize that hearing tests are just as important as regular physical exams or dental checkups.
Hearing tests are essential because they can detect hearing loss early on, which is crucial for effective treatment. The earlier hearing loss is detected, the better the chances are for successful treatment.
It’s worth noting that hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Untreated hearing loss can lead to a decline in cognitive function, making it more challenging to perform daily tasks and affecting memory, attention, and decision-making skills.
Research conducted by the National Library of Medicine has demonstrated that individuals who take action to address their hearing loss at an early stage are more likely to experience positive outcomes, such as enhanced communication abilities, improved quality of life, and a lower risk of cognitive decline.
Your ears are essential to your quality of life, and we want to help you LoveYourEars by taking care of them properly.
Book a free hearing test and take the first step towards better hearing today!
Sources: World Health Organization (WHO)
Benefits of Gardening for Seniors
Gardening is a fantastic activity for seniors. Now that the sun is shining, it’s a great time to get out there and garden! Not only is it fun, there are many benefits including: *Helps reduce stress – direct contact with nature can give a sense of inner peace. *Production of higher quality produce than most stores – you can start small with an herb garden. *Delivers a Vitamin D boost – important in bone health. *Provides gentle exercise – increase in strength, stamina and flexibility. *A hobby that creates purpose and keeps the mind active. *The opportunity to make social connections via a community garden.
Freedom on Wheels: Mobility Scooters
With good weather upon us, it’s the perfect time to consider a mobility scooter. Scooters lower the risk of injury and increase independence, providing more opportunities for socializing and the freedom to do what you want. Mobility scooters offer a sense of safety and the ability to access places previously out of reach. For those who already have a scooter, book a 25-point Safety Inspection & Battery Testing for only $99. We come to you. The offer expires June 30.
Spring Nutrition for Seniors
Spring brings with it a crop of nutrient-rich superfoods that are especially beneficial for older adults. As you age, it’s vital to eat healthy foods to maintain weight, manage and prevent diabetes and boost brain health. Spring is a great time to swap out processed foods that lack nutritional value for fresh fruits and vegetables. Some spring super-foods that are perfect for seniors to enjoy include artichokes, leaks, asparagus, green peas, watercress, strawberries and spinach. These springtime favourites are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants needed to live a healthy lifestyle.
