Signs That You Are Getting Older

Becoming Hearing Impaired

Age-related hearing loss is one of the most common challenges aging adults face. In fact, nearly one in three individuals in the United States alone will experience some level of hearing loss between 65 and 74. That ratio raises to almost half of individuals becoming hearing impaired by the age of 75.

Hearing loss related to age typically occurs in both ears equally and tends to happen gradually. The loss may make it difficult to participate in family functions effectively, understand doctor’s advice fully, and even hear warnings or alarms clearly in your home or other environments.

These changes in hearing are typically a result of changes in the inner ear that come with age, but it can also be a result of changes in the middle ear or more complex issues with the nerve pathways between the ears and brain. Regardless, working with a hearing specialist can help you better understand the loss and learn ways to prevent further damage and better manage what loss you’ve already sustained.

Sense Of Smell Diminishes

You may also lose a little bit of your sense of smell with age. This change typically occurs after the age of 70. However, some individuals do experience a change in their sense of smell earlier. Typically, the sense of smell diminishes as a result of changes in the mucus production and a loss of nerve endings in the nose.

While losing some of your sense of smell is a normal age-related change, certain factors can exacerbate the loss. Smoking, frequent exposure to harmful chemicals and certain diseases may impact your sense of smell. Likewise, certain medications can affect your sense of smell and taste.

You may be unable to actively regain your lost sense of smell. However, there are things you can do to reduce the effect this change has on your quality of life. Talk to your physician or other care providers about changing medications, using different spices in food prep, and buying safety products that will help you better cope with any losses you have experienced.