Hearing Loss and Senior Citizens
How can you tell if your senior loved one is suffering from hearing loss in Torrance, CA
While hearing loss is the diminished ability to hear as others do, deafness is the inability to understand speech through hearing, even when sound is amplified. According to a study by the University of Kansas, hearing loss affects about one-third of older adults aged 61 to 70 and over 80% of seniors aged 85 and older.
Although men typically experience more significant hearing loss than women, hearing loss and deafness can make life challenging for both genders. Hearing loss and deafness affects senior citizens in the United States and around the world in a variety of negative ways.
It can make it difficult for older adults to socialize and can lead to various issues. Some of these issues include depression, loneliness, social withdrawal, cognitive decline, and anger. All of these issues often result in a lower quality of life and less confidence. If you are wondering whether your senior loved one is suffering from hearing loss or deafness, our comfort care experts can give you some signs and symptoms that may signify they are:
- Muffling of speech
- Challenges understanding words
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Difficulty hearing consonants
- The necessity to increase the volume on a television or radio
- Avoidance of social events
- Withdrawal from conversations
If you believe your older adult is living with hearing loss or deafness, our comfort care providers believe it is in your best interest to encourage them to visit a doctor. A doctor can diagnose hearing loss or deafness through a physical exam, general screening tests, an audiometer test, and a tuning fork test. If a hearing problem is found, the following treatment options may be recommended:
- Hearing aids that will increase awareness of sounds by magnifying sound vibrations
- Cochlear implants, which bypass damaged parts of the ear and stimulate the auditory nerve directly
- Assisted living devices such as telephone amplifiers, TV and radio listening systems, alert systems with visual signals instead of sounds, and public assistive devices in places like theaters and museums
In addition, services from a friendly, experienced comfort care aide may help an older adult who is deaf or has hearing loss. A home care aide can assist them in selecting the appropriate hearing device while encouraging them to remain engaged on physical, mental, social, and emotional levels. With a comfort care aide by their side, seniors can enjoy a high quality of life despite their hearing challenges. Contact us today to learn more.
