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Published on: Jun 10, 2021
1 minute read
By: Dr Rachana Choudhary

How To Travel Safely During COVID Times.

As more people are vaccinated for COVID-19, many are looking forward to being able to travel again. While many restrictions have been lifted, COVID-19 has not gone away. So how safe is it to travel?

Vaccination- So what is the most important step to ensuring safe travel Without a doubt, the most important thing people can do to protect themselves is to get vaccinated for COVID-19. I recommend that all eligible people get vaccinated for COVID-19. That is going to dramatically decrease your risk of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and also dramatically decrease the risk that even if you were infected, you could transmit it to others.

Masks – The most important thing is to know if fully vaccinated travelers still required to wear a mask on an airplane. Yes, because we still have a considerable number of people in who are not vaccinated yet. And on airplanes, people are in close proximity for a longer period of time.

Beyond getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and wearing a mask in airports, and on planes, buses, and trains it's also still important to practice good hand hygiene and keep your area clean with disinfectant wipes.

Monitor Symptoms & Quarantine - What steps should we take when you return from travel? When people return from travel, some may wonder whether they should be tested for COVID-19. The need to test depends on where they're traveling from. There's no need to be tested and there's need to quarantine. Most importantly we should continue to monitor for symptoms.

If at any time during or after travel people start to develop symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19, such as, fever, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell, they should be evaluated by a provider and likely be tested for COVID-19.

What should people who are traveling with children do?

For families looking to plan a summer getaway with children who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated for COVID-19, they can still travel safely. It just takes a little bit of thought and planning. If you have children who are unvaccinated, that is probably not the time to bring them to areas where lots of people are congregating because we know they're still at risk of getting infected with COVID-19 if other people in that area are not vaccinated for COVID-19 and can transmit the virus. Even if your children are fastidious masking, there's still a risk.

If you have unvaccinated children, I think it's still safe to fly. But of course, they will always be masked. If you go to places that are more outdoors in more open space, where you're not congregated with lots of other people, I think it's very safe. You just have to think through the steps of what's going to happen on the vacation and position things so that you're not putting your unvaccinated children at risk."

Whether traveling or just attending events with large amounts of people, the bottom line is precautions still need to be taken.

We still do have people getting infected with COVID-19. We still have people being hospitalized. And, unfortunately, we still have people who are dying, as well. So, we're not completely done with this. We still have to be careful.

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Hearing Loss Solutions for Elderly in India: Restoring Sound & Confidence

Introduction

Hearing loss is one of the most common health challenges faced by elderly people in India. According to estimates, nearly 1 in 3 Indians above the age of 60 experiences some degree of hearing difficulty. For many seniors, this leads to isolation, depression, communication barriers, and even increased risk of dementia. The good news? Modern science and technology offer multiple hearing loss solutions for elderly in India—from advanced hearing aids to cochlear implants and lifestyle support.

This blog explains the causes, solutions, diagnostic tests, and care tips for elderly hearing loss in India.

Why Hearing Loss Happens with Age

The medical term for age-related hearing loss is presbycusis. It happens gradually and affects both ears. Major reasons include:

Degeneration of inner ear cells with aging.
Long-term exposure to noise (machines, loud music, traffic).
Health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders.
Side effects of medicines (ototoxic drugs).
Ear infections or wax buildup left untreated.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Seniors

Asking others to repeat frequently.
Turning up TV or phone volume unusually high.
Trouble following conversations in noisy places.
Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds (like children’s voices).
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Withdrawal from social interactions.

Best Hearing Loss Solutions in India

1. Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids are smaller, digital, and rechargeable. They can be customized for mild to severe hearing loss. Some are nearly invisible, while others connect via Bluetooth to phones and TVs.

2. Cochlear Implants

For severe or profound hearing loss, cochlear implants bypass damaged inner ear structures and directly stimulate hearing nerves. India has many hospitals offering affordable implant surgeries compared to Western countries.

3. Assistive Listening Devices

Simple tools like TV amplifiers, alerting systems with lights/vibrations, and mobile apps improve communication at home.

4. Speech & Hearing Rehabilitation

Speech therapy and auditory training help seniors adapt to devices and regain confidence.

5. Lifestyle & Preventive Care

Regular ear check-ups.
Managing diabetes and hypertension.
Avoiding loud noise exposure.
Balanced diet with vitamins (especially B12, folate, zinc).

Diagnostic Tests for Hearing Loss

Audiologists and ENT specialists recommend:

Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) – Standard hearing test.
Speech Audiometry – Measures speech clarity.
Tympanometry – Middle ear function.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) – Inner ear function.
BERA Test – For neural pathway issues.

At SecondMedic and Thyrocare centers, seniors can also book complete health check-ups with ENT & vitamin profiles to check if underlying conditions are contributing.

Cost of Hearing Solutions in India

Basic Hearing Aids: INR 15,000 – INR 40,000
Digital & Rechargeable Hearing Aids: INR 50,000 – INR 1,50,000
Premium Invisible Aids / Bluetooth-enabled: INR 2 – INR 3 lakhs
Cochlear Implant Surgery: INR 6 – INR 12 lakhs (may vary by hospital)

Government schemes, NGOs, and CSR initiatives sometimes subsidize devices for senior citizens.

Role of Family Support

Hearing loss is not just a medical condition—it’s a social challenge. Families can help by:

Speaking clearly, slowly, and facing the senior.
Reducing background noise during conversations.
Encouraging regular check-ups and device use.
Providing emotional support to prevent isolation.

Conclusion & CTA

Hearing loss does not have to mean silence. With the right solutions—modern hearing aids, cochlear implants, rehabilitation therapies, and preventive care—elderly Indians can enjoy active, engaged lives.

If you or your loved one is experiencing hearing problems, book a complete hearing assessment with SecondMedic today. Early diagnosis and the right solution can restore not just sound, but also confidence and connection.

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