Ear Problems

The two primary functions of the ear are hearing and balance. Many people experience some hearing loss, as they age, which ranges from mild to total deafness. Common ear problems that can be found in seniors are:

Hearing Loss

Meniere’s Disease

Hearing Loss

Causes	Symptoms	Treatment
damage to the nerve fibers in the inner ear obstruction or infection in the ear canal perforation of ear drum	difficulty hearing sounds hearing the wrong words problems hearing in a group setting trouble hearing higher pitched voices responding inappropriately to questions turning up volume on tv, radio or stereo perception that others mumble a lot	hearing aids are helpful when hearing loss is a result of nerve damage medical treatment is used for most other types of hearing loss (e.g. surgery, medication)

Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear, which affects balance and hearing. It is characterized by dizziness, loss of hearing in one or both ears and ringing in the ear.

Causes	Symptoms	Treatment
Exact cause is unknown but possibilities include: middle ear infection head injury syphilis genetic disposition certain medications	intermittent dizziness intermittent hearing loss in one ear intermittent ringing in the ears intermittent feelings of a “plugged” ear nausea vomiting sweating uncontrollable eye movements	No known cure but treatment is focused on treating the symptoms and lowering the pressure in the middle ear (e.g. medications, surgery, hearing aid)

How Preferred Care at Home Caregivers Can Help Seniors With Hearing Problems

Be aware that hearing loss is a debilitating condition and can affect seniors’ relationships, social involvement, emotional stability and communication.
Encourage seniors to seek medical attention quickly if an ear infection is suspected.
Be aware of senior’s tendency to lose balance and be ready to provide immediate assistance.
Check to ensure the senior has his/her hearing aid turned on.
Learn the techniques for communicating with the hearing impaired.

Ear Problems

Inside Common Senior Illnesses

Resources