As our loved ones age, specific changes in their health can be anticipated. Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent of these health issues. Around 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. This number goes up substantially for those over 75, with almost half of all Americans in this age group struggling to hear.
Vigilantly 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.
What are the indications of hearing loss in seniors?
Below are some key indicators that your loved one may be experiencing hearing difficulties:
Asking people to repeat themselves
Does your loved one often ask you to repeat yourself? 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 to levels that are uncomfortably loud for others, it could suggest that they are straining to hear at normal volumes.
Challenges in conversations with new people
Frustrating misunderstandings can happen when your loved one meets someone but can’t hear them even when they’re speaking clearly.
Miscommunication resulting in arguments
Hearing loss can frequently lead to frequent arguments 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
If your loved one isn’t responding to essential sounds like the alarm clock, cell phone notifications, or even car alarms, this is a clear sign of hearing loss.
Trouble with phone conversations
Many seniors with hearing loss find it particularly challenging to hear during phone conversations, especially when there is background noise or if they are talking on a cell phone.
Social solitude
Your loved one might feel self-conscious about their hearing problems causing them to remove themselves from social contact and often isolate themselves.
The impact of neglected hearing loss
Hearing loss has a profound effect on social interaction, emotional well-being, as well as physical health. Untreated hearing loss can result in solitude, depression, and a decline in cognitive function. In order to help your family member preserve their quality of life, you need to identify the symptoms early and seek prompt treatment.
Hearing aids play a important role
Luckily, hearing loss, especially age-related hearing loss, can frequently be successfully managed with the use of hearing aids. Seniors will be better able to continue to participate in their normal day-to-day activities by utilizing one of these devices. 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 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.
How you can help
If you think that your loved one is experiencing hearing loss, there are several ways you can assist. The first thing you should do is to motivate them to get a hearing assessment from a hearing specialist. With your help, your family member can investigate various treatment options, and that includes hearing aids.
It’s also important for your loved one to be proactive about the health of their hearing. 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 essential for maintaining 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 regain a vibrant social life. Connecting with friends and relatives and enjoying social interactions is essential to their mental and emotional health, and this will permit them to do just that. Your loved one will be able to keep living a fulfilling life with the correct hearing care and your help.
Call us today to take the first step in treating your loved one’s hearing loss.