Comfort Keepers Home Care for Seniors in Racine, WI & surrounding areas.

Comfort Keepers of Racine, WI discuss how you can help your senior loved one deal with hearing loss

Home care for seniors experts knows that it's really no surprise to anyone that people that are older than 65 develop hearing loss more often than not. We all have an older family member that never understands what we are saying or a neighbor that always responds a bit off to questions, having obviously not really heard them completely.

 Of course how severely hearing loss presents in particular individuals varies and depends on a number of factors. However, most studies still show that age is a major contributing factor to hearing loss.

Warnings

Home care for seniors experts warns that a majority of people over the age of 65 experience hearing loss caused by age. It is called presbycusis and it is a condition most often caused by hair within the ear falling off irreversibly, causing hearing loss. However, it can also be the result of structural changes in the inner ear, decreased blood flow, nerve damage, diabetes, medication, long-term damaging noise exposure, and smoking. Some people are also genetically predisposed to it.

Home care for seniors providers encourages you to recognize that a wide variety of symptoms point to hearing loss. Most often, hearing loss begins by seniors not being able to hear high-pitched sounds. They may also have issues hearing the difference between certain similar sounds and distinguishing voices, and experience a disproportionate response to sounds that seem too loud but in reality, are not. Many seniors also experience ringing in the ears.

Hearing Aids/Sign Language

There is no cure for age-related hearing loss. However, certain devices and aids can help seniors live better and significantly improve their overall quality of life.

Home care for seniors providers knows that many people have heard of hearing aids and they work very well for many seniors, helping them regain at least a part of their lost hearing abilities. There are a number of assistive devices available for seniors as well. These include things like the telephone and doorbell amplifiers.

Some seniors also decide to learn sign language. This is quite a good idea for people over a certain age because it helps keep them engaged and active. Also, learning a new skill can help significantly reduce their chance of developing dementia or experiencing a cognitive decline many seniors undergo over time living with hearing loss.

 Finding a way to communicate is of crucial importance for seniors. Many older adults may already be experiencing isolation and feelings of depression and loneliness. If hearing aids and devices do not help, learning new channels of communication can really be a godsend.

 If your loved one is experiencing hearing loss, advocating for them can make a huge difference in their quality of life. Find ways to stay in touch with them and their medical team to make sure they are receiving the best possible care.

https://www.healthline.com/health/age-related-hearing-loss#treatment5

https://www.huffingtonpost.in/ameet-kishore/hearing-loss-is-no-longer-something-senior-citizens-have-to-live_a_21872510/