5 tips for healthy hearing, maybe pickleball can help

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BPT - Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country, with many seniors roaring onto pickleball courts nationwide. But whether it's a friendly game or an intramural matchup, all senses must be engaged for the best play - especially our hearing.

Think about the last time you had your hearing tested. Was it recently? If it wasn't and you find yourself turning up the television or straining to hear conversations in crowded rooms, it's time to have an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist check your hearing.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), hearing loss affects more than 60 million Americans ages 12 and older. By the time people reach age 65, more than 30% experience hearing loss, and that percentage only goes up as people age. The NCOA also reports nearly 30 million Americans could significantly benefit from wearing a hearing aid.

HearingLife + USA Pickleball

That's why HearingLife, a global leader in hearing care, has become USA Pickleball's official hearing care partner to raise awareness about the importance of hearing health and the dangers of hearing loss. HearingLife knows that participating in an active lifestyle - like a pickleball match - encourages an all-around healthy routine, including hearing care.

At select USA Pickleball events throughout the year, HearingLife is offering complimentary hearing assessments to attendees and players.

"Hearing loss can prevent people from doing activities they love, like pickleball," said Dr. Leslie Soiles, HearingLife's chief audiologist. "And it's ironic because these types of activities and exercises can actually help slow hearing loss. That's why getting your hearing checked is so important. It's a gateway to a more active, fulfilling life."

In addition to offering on-site services such as free screenings, HearingLife's presence will include educational resources on how hearing loss can impact not only athletic performance, but also overall quality of life. Visitors can also learn about the latest advancements in hearing aid technology, including devices that are designed to enhance clarity in noisy environments - perfect for sporting activities like pickleball.

The risk of untreated hearing loss

Many people brush off hearing loss and don't think about hearing as essential to health and longevity. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, loneliness, social withdrawal and even problems at work if you miss instructions or don't understand coworkers. Worse, it can cause cognitive decline, memory problems and even increased risk of falls.

Caring for your hearing

You care for your teeth by brushing twice each day and for your body by eating right and exercising. What about your ears? Here are some ways to care for your hearing, from the pros at HearingLife.

• 1. Mind your exposure to loud noises. Loved those packed concerts in your youth? We did, too. For the reunion tour, it's wise to wear earplugs. That also goes for exposure to construction sites or loud machinery.
• 2. Monitor how long you wear headphones or earbuds. Turn down the volume of your favorite podcast or playlist, and don't wear the ear devices for an extended period of time.
• 3. Get regular checkups. Visit your hearing care professional on a regular basis, especially if you notice worsening hearing loss or other symptoms such as ringing in your ears.
• 4. Manage chronic conditions. High blood pressure, diabetes and smoking can contribute to hearing loss. Managing those conditions and quitting smoking helps keep your ears healthy.
• 5. Keep active. The improved blood flow you get from exercise is great for your ears. Walking, cycling, canoeing, working out at the gym, all contribute to good hearing health. Why not take up pickleball?

HearingLife is making it easy to get started. The company is sponsoring a giveaway to the USA Pickleball National Championships! One lucky winner and a plus-one can enter for a chance to win a three-night trip to Mesa, AZ, for the USA Pickleball tournament taking place Nov. 9-17. It's free and easy to enter: just visit https://www.hearinglife.com/pickleball-sweepstakes and submit your email. The winner will be notified on Oct. 23.

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Keywords: USA Pickleball, hearing loss, hearing instrument specialist

Ready to play pickleball? Check the lights on the dashboard

Photo: Brendan Sapp/Unsplash

by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

The popularity of Pickleball, the tennis-like sport that made a comeback in 2023, continues to grow, attracting older adults who want to enjoy a low-impact physical activity with family and friends. But as people flock to the courts for a fun workout and social interaction, healthcare experts are taking notice of an unintended consequence.

A recent report from financial services company UBS says pickleball injuries could cost Americans $250-$500 million in medical costs in 2023.

While the news shouldn’t scare older adults away from physical activity, it’s a reminder that people in their golden years need to take greater care during workouts than their younger counterparts, says James Murphy, MD, an OSF HealthCare orthopedic surgeon.

"We’re not all sixteen years old anymore," Dr. Murphy says with a smile.

Pickleball basics

Dr. Murphy says racket sports like pickleball involve a lot of side-to-side movement, bending and arm swings. Injuries like tendonitis, bone fractures in the wrist or hip, muscle tears and strains and even concussions can follow.

Before picking up pickleball or another sport as a hobby, older adults need to check the lights on the dashboard, so to speak.

"You want to see your internal medicine physician. Make sure your heart and everything else are good for strenuous activity," Dr. Murphy says.

People with a bad back or shoulder should also consider skipping the hard workout. If your health care provider advises so, try another, less taxing sport like golf. Or just take a walk around the neighborhood.

On game day, a good warm-up is a must, Dr. Murphy says. Gone are the recommendations for static stretches like touching your toes. Instead, look into dynamic warm-ups. You’ll see high school and college athletes take this approach in the minutes before a game.

"They’ll do a series of movements," Dr. Murphy explains. "Skipping-type exercises. Twisting exercises.

"The idea is you’re firing all your muscle groups. Getting the blood flowing to those muscles so they’re not more prone to injury when you start to compete."

Wear proper clothing, too. A knee or ankle brace may be part of the attire, as advised by a provider.

And then remember - it’s a game. You’re there to have fun.

"Going for every point like it’s the final at Wimbledon isn’t a good idea," Dr. Murphy jokes.

"It’s meant to be for exercise and enjoyment. There’s nothing less enjoyable than a torn Achilles tendon or a low back strain," he adds.

After-care

After a pickleball game, Dr. Murphy advises not to jump right in the car. Take a short walk as a cool-down.

If you are injured, go to an urgent care for minor things like abrasions, strains and sprains. A call to 9-1-1 is needed for more serious concerns: chest pain, shortness of breath, a head or eye injury, a broken bone, a dislocated joint, a major wound or sudden dizziness, weakness or loss or balance. Choose an ambulance over driving yourself to the hospital. Seconds matter, and the ambulance can begin treating you at the scene.

"Don’t ignore things," Dr. Murphy advises.

"If you tweak your shoulder playing pickleball, get it checked out. There’s no reason not to. Get a quick X-ray and physical exam. Doctors can tell you, ‘you just strained a muscle group’ or it might be more serious. But you want to know before you do more damage by continuing to participate."

Your provider will come up with a treatment and recovery plan. Dr. Murphy says you may be back on the court in a week or several months depending on the ailment. But don’t push yourself to return and risk re-injury.

About that injury report

Dr. Murphy is quick to point out an omission in the UBS report on pickleball medical costs. It’s one that drives home a key message like a shot to the opposite court.

"People who are active are saving millions of dollars in medical costs by not having diabetes, heart attacks or high blood pressure," Dr. Murphy says.

In other words: be mindful of injury risks, but stay active as you age.