What Did You Say? How to Listen For the Signs...That It's Time For A Hearing Aid

aadmin — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 20:21:17 +0000

Roughly a third of all elderly people between the ages of 65 and 74 have some degree of hearing loss. In addition, almost half of those over the age of 75 have trouble hearing. Difficulty hearing can cause a variety of problems for an older person, including making it harder for them to understand and comply with a doctor's orders. They may also have trouble responding to doorbells and hearing alarms in their home. Interacting with friends and family may also be a significant source of frustration.

The first question a senior citizen will have to answer is: Do I have trouble hearing?

Signs that this may be the case include:

They have trouble hearing when using a telephone.
They have trouble hearing when there is noise in the background.
They are not able to follow a conversation if more than one person is talking at the same time.
They often misunderstand what others are saying and respond in an inappropriate way.
They may turn the volume on their television or radio to excessively high levels.

Solutions for Elderly People with Hearing Loss  If an individual is suffering from hearing loss, they should seek the help of a professional. One professional who can help is an otolaryngologist. This doctor’s specialty is the diagnosis of hearing problems. An otolaryngologist and can provide options for treating hearing problems. An audiologist is another type of doctor who may be able to help. Audiologists are trained to identify different types of hearing loss as well as the degree to which hearing has been lost. Audiologists may be able to fit a hearing aid.

About Hearing Aids These are electronic devices worn behind the ear. They amplify sounds. To find the hearing aid that works best for a particular patient, it will be necessary to try multiple devices. An audiologist can provide help in this area. They will also be able to help an elderly person adjust to the fact that sounds are different with a hearing aid.

Benefits of Getting a Hearing Aid Now

The longer the patient waits, the harder it will be for their brain to adjust to a hearing aid. This is because wearing a hearing aid involves relearning certain sounds. Starting as soon as possible gives the patient’s brain more time to adapt.
When people start using hearing aids, it can improve their quality of life, according to the national Council on Aging. They will have a greater sense of independence as well as improved mental health.
Hearing loss has been tied to dementia. Seniors who do not have their hearing loss treated face a considerably higher risk of developing the condition. While the reasons for this are not known, it is thought that auditory deprivation is a cause.

Hearing aids do not cure hearing loss but they do enable communication and thus can make an elderly person's life better. It is essential that the diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems not be postponed.

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How to know when it's time for a hearing aid

aadmin — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 12:12:41 +0000

Sometimes an elderly family member that's losing their hearing may not even know it, and sometimes they might be too ashamed to admit it. If an elderly family member has experienced one or more of the problems listed below make sure they see an ear doctor because they might just need a hearing aid.

1. Say 'What' A lot

One of the best ways to tell if an elderly family member needs a hearing aid is if they cannot hear what you are saying. If they say the word "what" more often than usual, then they are having trouble processing what you are saying.

2. Misunderstand What You Say

If they cannot follow a conversation then they might need a hearing aid. This is especially true if they are misunderstanding words and have to constantly ask for clarification on what you just said. During a conversation with an elderly family member be on the lookout for if they are frequently starting sentences with "Did you just say..."

3. TV Volume is Set High

Another sign if your elderly family member needs a hearing aid is if they always have the television set at a high volume. If they live alone this could be a hard sign to detect. Whenever you visit make sure to let them set the volume on the television to see if they need it at a high level.

4. Trouble Hearing on the Phone

Talking in person is one thing, but on the phone is a whole different ball park because you can manually set the phone to a high level. If you notice the phone volume is set high that could be a sign they cannot hear the person on the other end at a normal volume. If they live alone, make sure to see what the volume is set to on their personal phone.

5. Become Frustrated During Conversations

If you find that an elder family member becomes frustrated during conversations they might need a hearing aid. The frustration stems from them not being able to fully understand what people are saying. If you find they do become frustrated during conversations take a minute to ask if they are angry with you, or if they are having trouble hearing you.

6. Become Withdrawn

Losing your hearing is nothing to be ashamed of, but sometimes people are and that can lead to them being withdrawn. If an elderly family member begins to lose their hearing that might cause them to avoid social occasions. If you notice they are not attending events or family gatherings like they used too then it could be a sign they need a hearing aid.

7. Complain People Mumble Too Much

When someone begins to lose their hearing they begin to think people are mumbling when they are speaking clearly. If you hear an elderly family member constantly say that people are mumbling or not speaking clearly, they might need a hearing aid.