How Can I Tell if My Mom Needs a Hearing Aid?

Sometimes older adults don’t realize they are suffering from hearing loss. The loss can be so gradual that they don’t notice the differences. It’s often the people around them who notice the hearing loss because they find themselves having to shout to be heard or they sometimes feel like the senior is ignoring them.

Homecare Lexington NC – How Can I Tell if My Mom Needs a Hearing Aid?

If you’ve noticed your aging parent doesn’t seem to hear as well as they once did, you might be wondering if it’s time for a hearing aid. Below are some signs that an older adult may need a hearing aid.

Trouble Following Conversations

If you notice that your parent has trouble keeping up with what is going on in a conversation, it could be because of hearing loss. They might complain that people are mumbling or misunderstand what is being said. Their inability to communicate may even cause them to be frustrated and irritable.

Turning the Television Up

Does your parent turn the television up so loud that it’s annoying to everyone else in the room? This is a common sign that they don’t hear well.

Becoming Socially Withdrawn

People who don’t hear well sometimes avoid social interactions. They may feel frustrated when other people are talking because they can’t hear what is being said, so it’s easier to just avoid conversations altogether. They may also be embarrassed when meeting new people because they worry about mishearing something.

Complaints of Ringing or Roaring Noises

Hearing loss can sometimes cause people to hear noises that aren’t there. They may hear a ringing, roaring, or swooshing noise. This is called tinnitus.

Avoiding Activities

Hearing loss sometimes causes people to stop attending activities they once enjoyed. They may stop attending worship services or going to plays or movies because they cannot hear what is being said.

If your parent uses a hearing aid, an elder homecare provider can help them to use it properly and keep it clean. Hearing aids are tiny devices that can be hard for seniors to handle if they’ve lost some manual dexterity. A homecare provider can help them to make adjustments to the device. When hearing aids are new, it can be easy to forget to use them. A homecare provider can remind your parent to put them in in the morning. An elder homecare provider can also assist with cleaning and caring for hearing aids when they are removed at night.

Sources:  https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hearing-loss-causes-symptoms-treatment#1

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-older-adults

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5269-do-i-need-hearing-aids

If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Lexington NC, please contact the caring staff at TenderHearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.