By Peter Omopo / September 6, 2025
Health experts have emphasized that lifestyle choices and timely medical intervention play a crucial role in protecting hearing health among aging populations.
Rising cases of age-related hearing loss have raised concerns globally, with specialists warning that the condition, if left unaddressed, can lead to social isolation, cognitive decline, and reduced quality of life.
According to audiologists, adopting healthier lifestyles—such as maintaining balanced diets, avoiding excessive noise exposure, exercising regularly, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension—can significantly reduce the risk of hearing deterioration in older adults.
They also stressed the importance of early screening and intervention, noting that hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive listening devices can drastically improve communication and social participation when introduced at the right time.
Dr. Funmilayo Adeyemi, a Lagos-based audiologist, said many older people delay seeking help due to stigma or lack of awareness.
“The earlier we detect and manage hearing loss, the better the outcomes. Regular check-ups after the age of 50 should be as important as eye or dental examinations,” she noted.
Public health advocates are calling for expanded community-based hearing screening programs, as well as campaigns to combat misconceptions about hearing aids. They argue that such initiatives would reduce the burden of untreated hearing loss on families and healthcare systems.
The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will experience some degree of hearing loss, with older adults most at risk. Experts say preventive lifestyle habits and early medical intervention could mitigate a significant portion of these cases.
