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Pennsylvania Ear Institute

Ways to Prevent Hearing Loss for Older Patients

  • 24 January 2025

Students consult with older patient

For adults, hearing loss remains one of the most common chronic health conditions – and while many adults think hearing loss is simply a factor of getting older, it can be much more. Hearing loss can affect every area of a person’s life, including physical health, mental health, career success, social life, personal relationships, and overall quality of life.  

Signs you have a problem with your hearing include: 

  • Asking people to repeat themselves frequently 
  • Feeling like others are mumbling when they talk to you
  • Struggling to hear conversations in a crowded restaurant or noisy rooms

Older man getting his ear examined by studentHearing loss is more pronounced in social situations where there is an increase in background noise. "Addressing hearing loss early can improve quality of life and may even play a part in reducing the risk for dementia,” said Lindsay Bondurant, PhD, CCC-A, director of the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI), Salus at Drexel University. 

At PEI, comprehensive hearing evaluations are offered to assess hearing abilities and identify any potential hearing loss. Experienced audiologists use advanced technology to provide accurate results and personalized recommendations for the patient’s hearing needs.  

While there is no cure for age-related hearing loss, you can protect your hearing by: 

  • Avoiding loud noises: Limit exposure to loud noises from lawn mowers, construction equipment, fireworks, and other sources. If you can't avoid loud noises, wear earplugs or earmuffs. 
  • Keeping the volume down: Keep the volume of music and other media at a comfortable level. 
  • Using caution with ototoxic medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and loop diuretics (pharmaceutical agents), can damage your hearing. 
  • Quitting smoking: Nicotine can damage the hair cells in your inner ear. 
  • Getting treatment for ear infections: Ear infections caused by viruses or bacteria can affect your hearing. 
  • Eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent hearing loss. 

Audiologists at PEI use advanced technology to assess hearing ability at any age and identify any potential hearing loss. For an appointment, call 215.780.3180.