Many people who maintain healthy living usually do not think so much about their hearing. And as a result, they will eventually encounter hearing loss, or they will have a loved one with hearing loss. Nevertheless, there are natural ways to improve one’s hearing, and physical therapy is one main way to improve and possibly restore it.
Could You Use Physical Therapy for Hearing Loss?
Types of Hearing Loss
Approximately 15% of adults, or 37.5 million, aged 18 and over have having hearing difficulties. The following three types define hearing loss:
- Sensorineural (involves inner ear)
- Conductive (involves outer or middle ear)
- Mixed (combination of the two)
Presbycusis is common, and it is the gradual loss of hearing as a person ages. Approximately one-third of US residents between ages 65 to 75 have a certain level of hearing loss. For people over 75 years of age, one in two people has hearing loss. Chronically exposure to loud noises can also cause hearing loss, and excessive earwax can temporarily cause hearing loss.
Many people may also dismiss signs that they have memory loss. And thus, various symptoms and signs of hearing loss may include the following:
- Muffling various sounds, like speech, someone singing, and other
- Having a challenge in understanding words especially when you are in a crowd or among background noise.
- Problems hearing consonants
- Frequently requesting others to speak louder, more clearly, and more slowly
- Needing the radio or television’s volume turned up.
- Withdrawing from conversations
- Some social settings avoidance
The reversal of hearing loss is not possible for most kinds of hearing loss. Nevertheless, you can still consult your physician or a hearing specialist concerning steps and treatment plans you can use for improved hearing.
Physical Therapy for Hearing Loss
As mentioned before, physical therapy is an amazing tool to use for your hearing. When going to a proven and reliable physical therapist, they will do various techniques for the best treatment plan for you. This specialist will consult and work with your physician, audiologist, and many times, an occupational therapist.
In addition to working closely with your health team, many of these professionals will other various tasks and techniques. For one, they will use Vestibular PT which is rehabilitation that assists in reducing issues relating to dizziness. It also assists in improving balance. And of course, they will run tests to see how you are progressing with your hearing. These therapists may also perform gross motor evaluations and screenings like many of them do for children with hearing loss.
Finding the Right Physical Therapist
It is vital to keep in mind that maintaining your hearing and its checkups is part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It will behoove you to perform your due diligence to find the right physical therapist for you and your loved ones. You can find the right specialist by diligently checking online reviews and through some referrals from your doctor, 77% of patients do!
Conclusion
72% of treatment costs can be lowered by attending physical therapy, according to a recent study. Physical therapy goes a long way than many people realize. Physical therapy is one main way to improve hearing loss and possibly restore it. This professional will work hard by consulting and working with your physician, audiologist, and many times, an occupational therapist. They will use also Vestibular PT which is rehabilitation that assists in reducing issues relating to dizziness. It also assists in improving balance. And of course, they will run tests to see how you are progressing with your hearing. It will behoove you to do your best to improve your/your loved one’s hearing for healthy living.
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