Hearing impairment is a common age-related condition. As people age, their hearing naturally begins to deteriorate, making it more difficult for them to communicate with the world around them. This can be a source of frustration and isolation for your senior loved one. There are ways to address this issue and make life easier.
Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss
The signs and symptoms of hearing loss include:
- Difficulty following one-on-one conversations
- Turning up the volume on devices exceptionally high
- Avoiding crowded places or social gatherings
- Struggling to recognize familiar words and sounds
- Asking others to repeat themselves multiple times during a conversation
Muffled speech can also be an indication that your senior loved one has some degree of hearing impairment even when their environment is quiet.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors. Aging is the most common cause and takes place over time as people get older, affecting both high and low-frequency sounds equally.
Exposure to loud noise for prolonged periods of time can also cause hearing damage, especially in your senior loved one with thinning ear wax or compromised eardrum function. Certain medications like pain relievers, antibiotics, and diuretics may have side effects that affect your senior parent's ability to hear clearly. Lastly, some diseases and infections like measles or meningitis can lead to temporary hearing loss--sometimes irreversible if not treated quickly.
Treatment Options
The treatment for hearing loss depends on the level of damage to the ears. Here's a look at a few of the options for your senior loved ones:
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are small devices that amplify sound and make it easier for your senior loved with hearing impairments to hear clearly. Hearing aids can range from simple, behind-the-ear models to more advanced, in-the-canal, or even implanted systems.
Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are surgically implanted electronic devices that help people with profound hearing impairments receive auditory signals. These signals are then converted and sent directly to the brain, bypassing damaged parts of the ear.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices are electronic hearing aids that can be adjusted in order for your senior loved one to hear specific sounds. These devices also reduce background noise, making it easier for your senior parent with hearing impairments to pick up conversations effectively.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is an effective treatment for people with hearing impairments. Speech therapists work to identify speech and language issues while teaching your senior loved one's strategies they can use to improve their ability to communicate verbally.
Choose Senior Helpers Honolulu-Kahala-Kailua to Provide Help With Daily Tasks for Your Senior Loved One
Hearing impairment is a common issue facing seniors, but with the right tools and support it can be effectively managed. With a little research and planning, you can help your senior loved one hear better. Senior Helpers Honolulu-Kahala-Kailua can help your senior loved one age in place with help taking care of normal chores. Contact us today to learn more!