As our family members age, certain changes in their health can be anticipated. One of the most common problems they might encounter is hearing loss. About one out of three individuals aged 65 to 74 deals with some degree of hearing loss as disclosed by the National Institute of Health. This number increases considerably for individuals over 75, with almost half of all Americans in this age group battling to hear.
Diligently watching for indications of hearing loss is crucial if you have an older relative that you’re caring for. Early diagnosis can make a considerable difference in managing and improving their quality of life.
How will you know if a senior has hearing loss?
Your loved one may be suffering from hearing loss if you notice any of the following signs:
Asking people to repeat what they said
Do you frequently need to repeat yourself to your elderly family member? This is a common indication that they may not be hearing clearly, particularly in situations with background noise or multiple speakers.
Cranking the volume up
If they constantly turn up the TV or radio volume to levels that are uncomfortably loud for others, it could reveal that they are straining to hear at normal volumes.
Challenges in conversations with new people
When meeting people for the first time, your loved one might have trouble hearing even when the person is speaking clearly. This can result in confusion and frustration.
Miscommunication resulting in arguments
Hearing loss can often lead to regular arguments with friends or family due to miscommunication or the perception that they are not listening, when in reality, they simply can’t hear well.
Missing essential sounds
If your loved one isn’t responding to essential sounds like the alarm clock, cell phone notifications, or even car alarms, this is an obvious sign of hearing loss.
Trouble with phone conversations
Phone conversations can be especially challenging for seniors, and if there is background noise it becomes even more challenging.
Social isolation
If your family member begins steering clear of social interactions or withdrawing from experiences they once loved, it may be because they feel self-conscious or left out due to their hearing difficulties.
The affect of neglected hearing loss
Hearing loss isn’t just a question of weakened physical health, it also has an extensive impact on emotional well-being and social connection. Depression, isolation, and mental decline are also negative repercussions of untreated hearing loss. It’s important to recognize the signs early and get treatment to help your loved one preserve their quality of life.
The role of hearing aids
Luckily, hearing loss, especially age-related hearing loss, can often be effectively managed with the use of hearing aids. These devices can significantly improve the ability to hear and permit seniors to continue participating in their normal activities. The health and quality of life for an older individual depend very much upon staying socially active with family and friends.
Memory problems, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of dementia have all been linked to untreated hearing loss by research performed by Johns Hopkins University. Regular use of hearing aids is an essential step in taking care of an older relative because hearing aids have been shown to counter or even reverse many of these cognitive risks.
What’s your role?
If you think that your loved one is coping with hearing loss, there are several ways you can help. The first thing you should do is to motivate them to get a hearing exam from a hearing specialist. With your assistance, your loved one can investigate various treatment possibilities, and that includes 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 committed to wearing hearing aids as recommended. While hearing aids are a significant investment, they are crucial for maintaining your loved one’s overall health and happiness.
By addressing hearing loss early and assisting your loved one through the process, you can help them regain a vibrant social life. Connecting with friends and relatives and enjoying social interactions is vital to their mental and emotional well-being, and this will allow them to do just that. Your family member will be able to keep living a rewarding life with the correct hearing care and your help.
Contact us to schedule an appointment for your family member to get their hearing tested.