As our loved ones age, certain changes in their health can be anticipated. Hearing loss is one of the most predominant of these health concerns. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 suffer from some degree of hearing loss. And for people who are older than 75, nearly half of them are having a difficult time hearing.
Vigilantly watching for indications of hearing loss is essential if you have an older relative that you’re taking care of. Their quality of life can be enhanced and managing the symptoms will be more successful with early diagnosis.
How can you tell if a senior has hearing loss?
Your loved one may be suffering from hearing loss if you notice any of the following signs:
Frequent requests for repetition
Do you regularly need to repeat what you said to your elderly loved one? This is a common indication that they might not be hearing clearly, particularly in settings with background noise or multiple speakers.
Raising the volume to uncomfortable levels
They are probably having trouble hearing at normal volume levels if they are constantly setting their audio devices to levels that are uncomfortable for others.
Challenges talking to others
Frustrating misunderstandings can occur when your family member meets somebody but can’t hear them even when they are talking clearly.
Arguments because of miscommunication
Hearing loss can often result in regular quarrels with friends or family because of miscommunication or the feeling that they aren’t listening, when in truth, they simply cannot hear well.
Missing important sounds
It’s a sure sign of hearing loss if your family member doesn’t notice essential sounds like cellphone notifications, the alarm clock, or car alarm.
Trouble with phone conversations
Many seniors with hearing loss find it particularly difficult to hear while talking on the phone, especially when there is background noise or if they are talking on a cell phone.
Avoidance of social situations
Your loved one may feel self-conscious about their hearing difficulties causing them to remove themselves from social interactions and frequently seclude themselves.
Ignored hearing loss has a big impact
Hearing loss isn’t just an issue of diminished physical health, it also has an extensive impact on emotional well-being and social connection. Neglected hearing loss can lead to solitude, depression, and a decline in cognitive function. It’s important to identify the indications early and get treatment to help your family member preserve their quality of life.
Hearing aids play a important role
Luckily, hearing loss, particularly age-related hearing loss, can often be effectively managed with the use of hearing aids. Seniors will be better able to continue to take part in their normal day-to-day activities by utilizing one of these devices. Remaining socially active with family, friends, and community is vital for the overall health and well-being of older adults.
Memory issues, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of dementia have all been connected to untreated hearing loss by research performed by Johns Hopkins University. Consistent use of hearing aids is an essential step in caring for an older relative because hearing aids have been shown to counter or even reverse many of these cognitive risks.
How you can help
If you think that your loved one is experiencing hearing loss, there are several ways you can assist. The first thing you should do is to motivate them to get a hearing assessment from a hearing specialist. Together, you can investigate the available treatment options, including hearing aids.
Being proactive about their own hearing health is also an important thing for your family member to do. They must be honest about their hearing difficulties and dedicated to wearing hearing aids as recommended. Hearing aids are an essential part of the management of your loved one’s hearing health and are well worth the significant investment they present.
You can help your family member get back to their active lifestyle by helping them and motivating them to deal with their hearing loss as soon as possible. This will allow them to reconnect with family and friends and enjoy the relationships that are so essential to their emotional and mental health. Your loved one will be able to keep living a fulfilling life with the correct hearing care and your help.
Contact us to schedule an appointment for your loved one to get their hearing tested.