We can anticipate some specific health changes as our family members age. One of the most prevalent problems they might encounter is hearing loss. About one out of every three people aged 65 to 74 copes with some level of hearing loss as disclosed by the National Institute of Health. This number goes up substantially for those over 75, with almost half of all Americans in this age group battling to hear.
Vigilantly 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 improved and managing the symptoms will be more effective with early diagnosis.
What are the signs of hearing loss in older adults?
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 yourself to your elderly family member? They might be having a difficult time hearing if you observe this common indication which will be particularly obvious when there is a lot of background noise.
Increasing the volume to uncomfortable levels
If they consistently turn up the TV or radio volume to levels that are uncomfortably loud for others, it could indicate that they are struggling to hear at normal volumes.
Difficulty in conversations with new people
Frustrating misunderstandings can occur when your family member meets someone but can’t hear them even when they’re speaking clearly.
Disputes because of miscommunication
Hearing loss can frequently lead to regular quarrels with friends or family because of miscommunication or the perception that they aren’t listening, when in truth, they simply can’t hear well.
Essential sounds are missed
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.
Difficulty talking on the phone
Phone conversations can be particularly challenging for seniors, and if there is background noise it becomes even more challenging.
Avoidance of social settings
Your loved one might feel self-conscious about their hearing problems causing them to remove themselves from social interactions and frequently isolate themselves.
The affect of untreated hearing loss
Hearing loss has a powerful effect on social interaction, emotional well-being, and physical health. Depression, solitude, and cognitive decline are also negative repercussions of disregarded hearing loss. In order to help your loved one maintain their quality of life, you need to identify the symptoms early and seek prompt treatment.
Hearing aids play a significant role
Hearing aids can often effectively regulate hearing loss, particularly age-related hearing loss. These devices can considerably improve the ability to hear and permit seniors to continue engaging 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.
Memory problems, cognitive decline, and an increased danger of dementia have all been linked to neglected hearing loss by research performed by Johns Hopkins University. However, the consistent use of hearing aids has been shown to reverse or stop many of these cognitive problems, making it a critical step in taking care of an older parent or relative.
How you can help
You can help a loved one dealing with hearing loss in a variety of ways. The first thing you should do is to motivate them to get a hearing test from a hearing specialist. With your help, your family member can investigate various treatment options, 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 issues and dedicated to wearing hearing aids as recommended. While hearing aids are a substantial investment, they are essential for preserving your loved one’s total health and happiness.
By addressing hearing loss early and assisting your loved one through the process, you can help them restore a vibrant social life. This will enable them to reconnect with friends and family and enjoy the interactions 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 family member to get their hearing assessed.
