As our loved ones age, specific changes in their health can be anticipated. One of the most common issues they might face is hearing loss. About 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. And for people who are older than 75, nearly half of them are having a difficult time hearing.
Vigilantly watching for indications of hearing loss is crucial if you have an aging relative that you’re caring for. Their quality of life can be enhanced and managing the symptoms will be more successful 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 problems:
Asking people to repeat what they said
Do you regularly need to repeat what you said to your elderly family member? They might be having a hard time hearing if you observe this common indication which will be particularly obvious when there is a lot of background noise.
Boosting 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 reveal that they are struggling to hear at normal volumes.
Difficulty in conversations with new people
When meeting someone for the first time, your family member might have difficulty hearing even when the person is speaking clearly. This can result in confusion and frustration.
Miscommunication leading to arguments
Hearing loss can frequently lead to regular arguments with friends or family because of miscommunication or the perception that they aren’t listening, when in truth, they simply cannot hear well.
Important sounds are missed
It’s a sure 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
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 isolation
Your loved one might feel embarrassed about their hearing difficulties causing them to remove themselves from social interactions and frequently isolate themselves.
Neglected hearing loss has a huge impact
Hearing loss isn’t just an issue of weakened physical health, it also has far-reaching effects on emotional health and social interaction. Depression, isolation, and cognitive decline are also negative consequences of neglected hearing loss. It’s important to identify the signs early and seek treatment to help your loved one maintain their quality of life.
Hearing aids play a substantial role
Luckily, hearing loss, especially age-related hearing loss, can frequently be successfully treated 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. The health and quality of life for an older individual depend heavily upon staying socially active with family and friends.
Studies done by Johns Hopkins University have linked neglected hearing loss to mental decline, memory issues, and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the consistent use of hearing aids has been shown to reverse or stop many of these cognitive issues, making it a critical step in taking care of an aging parent or relative.
How you can help
If you suspect 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. Together, you can investigate the available treatment options, including hearing aids.
It’s also essential for your family member to be proactive about the health of their hearing. They must be honest about their hearing issues and dedicated to using hearing aids as recommended. While hearing aids are a significant investment, they are crucial for maintaining your loved one’s overall health and happiness.
You can help your family member get back to their active lifestyle by supporting them and motivating them to deal with their hearing loss as soon as possible. Connecting with friends and relatives and enjoying social interactions is essential to their mental and emotional well-being, and this will permit them to do just that. With your support and the proper hearing care, your family member can continue to live a fulfilling life.
Contact us today to take the first step in addressing your loved one’s hearing loss.
