Many different age groups have painful and uncomfortable ear infections, but older people can have it even worse. With age, the body changes, creating a higher risk of infections and sickness. However, with the help of loved ones and senior home care, there are things that can be done to treat and avoid things like ear infections. Continue reading to learn what causes ear infections, what their signs are, and how to treat and avoid them in seniors.

Causes For Ear Infections in Seniors

Many things might cause ear infections in seniors. With monitoring by the senior home care team and consistent medical care, it might be possible to find patterns or triggers, which can also help the team learn how to avoid them altogether.

Changes Due to Age: In the later years, earwax dries out and stops trapping germs and other foreign objects as well. This could make older people more likely to get illnesses.

Weak Immune System: The immune systems of older people are often not as strong, which can make it harder for their bodies to fight off infections.

Chronic Health Conditions: Diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two conditions that can make it more likely for adults to get ear infections.

Hearing Aids and Earplugs: Seniors often use hearing aids and earplugs, which can make it easy for bacteria to grow if they are not cleaned and kept properly. The senior home care team can help seniors ensure proper cleaning, which reduces this risk significantly.

Signs of Ear Infections

Knowing how to spot the symptoms of an ear infection in a senior is important for getting help quickly. Not only should the senior home team be privy to this information, but educating seniors is also a good idea. It’s also important to note that some seniors might not have any of these signs.

Ear Pain: Older people may feel a sharp or aching pain in the ear that has the infection.

Hearing Loss: When fluid builds up in the middle ear, it can cause hearing loss. Unfortunately, it might be hard to determine if seniors are already dealing with hearing loss.

Problems with Balance and Dizziness: Infections in the inner ear can cause problems with balance and dizziness.

Fever: Older people may get a low-grade fever that accompanies their ear infection.

How to Treat Ear Infections in Older People

To get the right evaluation and treatment plan for treating ear infections in seniors, it’s important to talk to a doctor or nurse. Some common methods are:

Antibiotics: If germs cause the infection, antibiotics will be given to get rid of it.

Pain Management: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which are available over-the-counter painkillers, can help ease ear pain.

Ear Drops: To treat the infection, a doctor may suggest ear drops that contain antibiotics or pain relievers.

Warm Compress: Putting a warm compress on the infected ear can help ease the pain and soreness.

Preventing Ear Infections

While some ear infections might be inevitable, especially when seniors have a history of infections, there might be some things the senior home care team can encourage them to do that lessen the risk. These things include maintaining good hygiene, being mindful of what they put in their ears and how they clean them, and maintaining consistent hearing aid cleaning.

Ear infections can be very painful and annoying, but the chance of getting an ear infection can be reduced by taking the right steps. With senior home care and loved ones by their side, seniors gain the support they need.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX  today. Call (469) 596-6500

HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.

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