We can expect some specific health changes as our family members get older. One of the most prevalent problems they might encounter is hearing loss. About one out of every three individuals aged 65 to 74 deals with some degree of hearing loss as reported by the National Institute of Health. And for individuals who are older than 75, nearly half of them are having a hard time hearing.
Diligently watching for signs of hearing loss is crucial if you have an aging relative that you’re taking care of. Their quality of life can be enhanced and managing the symptoms will be more effective with early detection.
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:
Asking people to repeat what they said
Does your family member frequently ask you to repeat what you’ve said? This is a common sign that they may not be hearing clearly, particularly in situations with background noise or multiple speakers.
Cranking the volume up
If they consistently turn up the TV or radio volume so high that it’s uncomfortably loud for others, it could indicate that they are straining to hear at normal volumes.
Trouble talking to others
When meeting someone for the first time, your family member might have difficulty hearing even when the person is talking clearly. This can result in confusion and frustration.
Arguments because of miscommunication
Hearing loss can often lead to frequent quarrels with friends or family due to miscommunication or the feeling that they aren’t listening, when in reality, they simply can’t hear well.
Missing important sounds
It’s a definite sign of hearing loss if your loved one doesn’t recognize crucial sounds like cellphone notifications, the alarm clock, or car alarm.
Trouble with phone conversations
Phone conversations can be particularly challenging for seniors, and if there is background noise it becomes even more challenging.
Avoidance of social situations
Your loved one might feel self-conscious about their hearing problems causing them to remove themselves from social interactions and frequently seclude themselves.
Neglected hearing loss has a big impact
Hearing loss isn’t just a matter of diminished physical health, it also has an extensive impact on emotional well-being and social connection. Neglected hearing loss can lead to isolation, depression, and a decline in mental function. It’s crucial to recognize the signs early and get treatment to help your family member maintain their quality of life.
The role of hearing aids
Hearing aids can often successfully regulate hearing loss, especially age-related hearing loss. These devices can considerably 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 issues, 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 important step in taking care of an older relative because hearing aids have been shown to prevent 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 a number of ways you can help. The first thing you should do is to encourage them to get a hearing test from a hearing specialist. Together, you can investigate the available treatment possibilities, including hearing aids.
It’s also essential for your loved one to be proactive about the health of their hearing. They must be honest about their hearing difficulties and dedicated to wearing hearing aids as recommended. Hearing aids are a crucial part of the management of your loved one’s hearing health and are well worth the considerable investment they present.
By dealing with hearing loss early and supporting your loved one through the process, you can help them regain a vibrant social life. Connecting with friends and loved ones 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 proper hearing care and your support.
Contact us today to take the first step in addressing your loved one’s hearing loss.
