Lots of seniors suddenly realize they’re losing their hearing, but is it too late at that point for them to protect what hearing they have left? The reality is that even with any degree of hearing damage, it’s always worth taking steps to protect the hearing that is left. Home care providers can help seniors adopt strategies that maintain hearing and enhance their quality of life.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Aging Adults
There are many reasons seniors start to lose hearing. Aging itself brings with it a decline in hearing. But if seniors are exposed to loud noises a lot throughout their lives, that can damage the delicate structures within the ear. Some health conditions and medications can also cause hearing loss. Some of this is preventable, especially when seniors understand what issues they are facing.
Early Detection and Regular Hearing Tests
The best thing for anyone who is worried about hearing loss is to have regular hearing tests. These can be done for seniors at their annual medical checkups. Doctors can test hearing and look in the ear canal to see whether there is visible damage.
Recognizing symptoms helps with early detection, too. For example, seniors who have trouble understanding conversations or constantly turn up the volume on devices may be experiencing hearing loss.
Assistive Devices, Including Hearing Aids
There are solutions for some types of hearing loss. Amplified telephones, listening systems for televisions, personal amplifiers, and hearing aids might all be options that seniors consider. These solutions may require that seniors have some additional help maintaining and caring for them as well as using them properly.
Home care providers can assist with making sure devices are charged, batteries are changed, and that seniors remember to use these devices when they need them.
Protecting Hearing from More Damage
Taking steps now can help to protect the hearing that seniors have left. Reducing loud noises and keeping device volumes at safe levels is important. If seniors say that they still can’t hear and need to turn the volume up, they may need to try different solutions.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle with healthy foods, good sleep, and a plan for moving more can also help seniors to be healthier overall. Home care providers make all of this easier to keep track of on a daily basis.
Communicating Well with Hearing Loss
It’s often tough for seniors with hearing loss to communicate with other people, which is why many of them withdraw and start to isolate themselves. That doesn’t have to happen. When talking to seniors with hearing loss face-to-face, people need to maintain eye contact and use clear speech. Reducing background noise can also be helpful. Avoid talking louder because that typically just distorts the words further.
Home care providers offer tons of support for seniors who are dealing with hearing loss. They can help with hearing aids and other solutions that keep seniors healthy and happy and preserve the hearing they have left.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care in Vallejo, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
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