As our loved ones age, certain changes in their health can be expected. Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent of these health concerns. About one out of every three people aged 65 to 74 deals with some level of hearing loss as reported by the National Institute of Health. This figure goes up significantly for those over 75, with almost half of all Americans in this age group struggling to hear.
If you’re taking care of a parent, grandparent, or elderly loved one, it’s crucial to remain alert for indicators of hearing loss. Their quality of life can be improved and managing the symptoms will be more effective with early detection.
What are the signs of hearing loss in older adults?
Below are some significant signs that your loved one may be experiencing hearing difficulties:
Asking people to repeat what they said
Do you regularly need to repeat what you said to your elderly loved one? This is a common indication that they may not be hearing clearly, particularly in situations with background noise or multiple speakers.
Cranking the volume up
They are probably having problems hearing at normal volume levels if they are continually setting their audio devices to levels that are uncomfortable for other people.
Trouble speaking with others
When meeting people for the first time, your family member may have difficulty hearing even when the person is speaking clearly. This can result in misunderstandings 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 truth, they simply cannot hear well.
Essential sounds are missed
If your loved one is not responding to crucial sounds like the alarm clock, cell phone notifications, or even car alarms, this is an obvious sign of hearing impairment.
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 situations
Your loved one might feel self-conscious about their hearing difficulties causing them to remove themselves from social interactions and often seclude themselves.
The impact of neglected hearing loss
Hearing loss isn’t just a matter of weakened physical health, it also has far-reaching impact on emotional health and social connection. Depression, isolation, and cognitive decline are also negative consequences of disregarded hearing loss. In order to help your family member maintain their quality of life, you need to recognize the symptoms early and seek prompt treatment.
Hearing aids play a important role
Luckily, hearing loss, especially age-related hearing loss, can frequently be effectively managed with the use of hearing aids. These devices can considerably improve the ability to hear and permit seniors to continue participating in their normal activities. Remaining socially active with family, friends, and community is vital for the general health and well-being of older adults.
Memory problems, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of dementia have all been connected to neglected hearing loss by research performed by Johns Hopkins University. Regular use of hearing aids is an important step in caring for an older relative because hearing aids have been shown to prevent or even reverse many of these cognitive risks.
What’s your role?
If you think that your loved one is experiencing hearing loss, there are several ways you can help. The first thing you should do is to motivate them to get a hearing test from a hearing specialist. With your help, your loved one can explore a variety of treatment options, and that includes hearing aids.
It’s also essential for your loved one to be proactive about the health of their hearing. Honesty about their hearing challenges and a determination to wear their hearing aids consistently is essential. While hearing aids are a substantial investment, they are crucial for preserving your loved one’s total health and happiness.
You can help your family member get back to their active lifestyle by helping them and encouraging them to deal with their hearing loss as soon as possible. This will allow them to reconnect with family and friends and enjoy the relationships that are so essential to their emotional and mental health. With your support and the proper hearing care, your loved one can continue to lead a fulfilling life.
Call us today to take the first step in addressing your loved one’s hearing loss.
