As our loved ones age, certain changes in their health can be expected. One of the most common problems they may face is hearing loss. About one out of three people aged 65 to 74 copes with some level of hearing loss as reported by the National Institute of Health. This number increases considerably for individuals over 75, with nearly half of all Americans in this age group struggling to hear.
If you’re taking care of a parent, grandparent, or elderly relative, it’s important to stay alert for signs of hearing loss. Early detection can make a considerable difference in managing and enhancing their quality of life.
What are the indications of hearing loss in seniors?
Below are some key indicators that your loved one may be experiencing hearing problems:
Frequent requests for repetition
Does your loved one often ask you to repeat yourself? This is a common indication that they might not be hearing clearly, particularly in settings with background noise or multiple speakers.
Increasing the volume to uncomfortable levels
If they constantly turn up the TV or radio volume to levels that are uncomfortably loud for others, it could suggest that they are struggling to hear at normal volumes.
Challenges speaking with others
When meeting someone for the first time, your family member may have difficulty hearing even when the person is speaking clearly. This can lead to confusion and frustration.
Miscommunication resulting in arguments
Hearing loss can frequently 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 essential sounds
It’s a definite sign of hearing loss if your loved one doesn’t recognize essential sounds like cellphone notifications, the alarm clock, or car alarm.
Trouble with phone conversations
Many seniors who have hearing loss find it particularly challenging 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 settings
If your family member starts staying away from social interactions or withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed, it may be because they feel self-conscious or left out as a result of their hearing problems.
Neglected 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 health and social interaction. Depression, isolation, and cognitive decline are also negative repercussions of neglected hearing loss. It’s crucial to recognize the indications early and seek treatment to help your loved one preserve their quality of life.
Hearing aids play a significant role
Hearing aids can often effectively manage hearing loss, especially age-related hearing loss. These devices can significantly improve the ability to hear and allow seniors to continue participating in their normal activities. The health and quality of life for an older person depend very much upon staying socially active with family and friends.
Studies conducted by Johns Hopkins University have correlated untreated hearing loss to mental decline, memory problems, and an increased danger of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 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
You can help a loved one dealing with hearing loss in a variety of ways. First, encourage them to consult a hearing professional for a thorough hearing test. Together, you can explore the available treatment options, including hearing aids.
Being proactive about their own hearing health is also an important thing for your loved one to do. They have to be honest about their hearing issues and committed 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 considerable investment they present.
By dealing with hearing loss early and supporting your loved one through the process, you can help them restore a vibrant social life. 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 proper hearing care and your support.
Contact us today to take the first step in addressing your loved one’s hearing loss.
