As our family members age, certain changes in their health can be expected. Hearing loss is one of the most predominant of these health concerns. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately one in three individuals between the ages of 65 and 74 suffer from some level of hearing loss. This number increases substantially for people over 75, with nearly half of all Americans in this age group struggling to hear.
Diligently watching for signs of hearing loss is essential if you have an older relative that you’re caring for. Their quality of life can be improved 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:
Asking people to repeat what they said
Does your family member often ask you to repeat what you’ve said? This is a common sign that they might not be hearing clearly, especially in situations with background noise or multiple speakers.
Cranking the volume up
They are most likely having trouble hearing at normal volume levels if they are continually setting their audio devices to levels that are uncomfortable for others.
Difficulty in conversations with new people
When meeting people for the first time, your family member might have trouble hearing even when the person is talking clearly. This can lead to misunderstandings and frustration.
Miscommunication resulting in arguments
Hearing loss can frequently lead to regular quarrels with friends or family due to miscommunication or the perception that they are not listening, when in truth, they simply cannot hear well.
Missing important sounds
If your loved one is not 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 particularly difficult for seniors, and if there is background noise it becomes even more challenging.
Social isolation
If your loved one begins staying away from social interactions or withdrawing from activities they once loved, it could be because they feel self-conscious or left out due to their hearing problems.
The affect of untreated hearing loss
Hearing loss isn’t just a matter of weakened physical health, it also has far-reaching impact on emotional health and social interaction. Neglected hearing loss can result in solitude, depression, and a decrease in mental function. In order to help your family member maintain their quality of life, you need to recognize the symptoms early and get 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 heavily upon staying socially active with family and friends.
Memory issues, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of dementia have all been related to untreated hearing loss by research carried out by Johns Hopkins University. However, the consistent use of hearing aids has been shown to counter or stop many of these cognitive problems, making it an essential step in caring for an older parent or relative.
What’s your role?
If you suspect that your loved one is coping with hearing loss, there are several ways you can assist. First, encourage them to consult a hearing specialist for a thorough hearing assessment. Together, you can investigate the available treatment possibilities, including hearing aids.
It’s also important for your family member to be proactive about their hearing health. They have to be honest about their hearing difficulties and committed 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 substantial investment they present.
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 relationships that are so essential to their emotional and mental well-being. With your support and the correct hearing care, your family member can continue to live a fulfilling life.
Call us today to take the first step in addressing your loved one’s hearing loss.