What to Do When Your Senior is Losing Their Hearing
Having a senior with hearing loss can be tough, so it’s important to know what to do. It’s also important to know what to do if you’re worried that your senior might have hearing loss, but aren’t willing to go to the doctor for an exam.
If you have a senior with hearing loss, there are some things you can do to help. One of the first things you should do is to address the issue. It can be difficult to bring up, but try to do so in a thoughtful way.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
If you’re worried that your senior might have hearing loss, there are some common symptoms to look for. If your senior has difficulty hearing, even when they have their hearing aids, that could be a sign of hearing loss. Other symptoms include turning up the volume on the TV, asking people to repeat themselves, and making comments like “it’s so noisy.”
If you’re worried that your senior might have hearing loss, but they aren’t willing to go to the doctor for a hearing test, you can encourage them to take the free online hearing test. It’s a confidential test, so you don’t have to worry about anyone else knowing your senior took it.
What Should You Do if Your Senior Wants to Ignore Their Hearing Loss?
If your senior refuses to go to the doctor for a hearing test, there are still things you can do. If you have a close relationship with your senior, you might be able to get them to see a hearing specialist through their primary care physician. A hearing specialist can give your senior a hearing test and explain how hearing loss might affect their everyday life.
You might also want to talk to your senior friends and family members. Even though your senior might not want to admit it, they may be more willing to get help if they know that others are worried about their hearing loss.
Why Hearing Loss is so Difficult
It is a common occurrence for seniors to lose their hearing as they age, but when it becomes bad enough to affect their quality of life, many families feel it is time to make a change.
Mentally, it can be difficult for seniors to cope with their hearing loss. At first, they may not even realize they are having difficulty hearing other people, and they may be embarrassed to admit it. Even if they do, they may not be able to express themselves. When they are no longer able to communicate with friends and family, it can increase their depression and isolation.
How Home Care Can Help your Senior
Home care includes a variety of services that can help seniors who are losing their hearing. These services can include:
1. Companionship
2. Language- Communication Services
3. Speech Adaptive devices
The number of home care services your senior may need will depend on their particular needs. If they are only losing their hearing, they may only need someone to be a companion and help with chores and shopping. If they are losing their hearing and their mental faculties, they may need more intensive care.
Conclusion
If a person goes through all their lives without experiencing any kind of hearing loss, they may be in for a hell of a shock when it happens. Older adults have a hard time adapting. They have grown accustomed to life with perfect hearing, and they are suddenly plunged into a world where they no longer have that ability. Make sure your senior understands this issue and feels comfortable with it.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Lexington, NC, contact the caring professionals at TenderHearted Home Care today. Call us at (704) 612-4132
Sources
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms/
https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hearing-loss/mental-and-emotional-effects-of-hearing-loss
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