Hearing loss affects around one in three people over the age of 65. Although many instances of hearing loss are mild, it’s still important to find out how well your senior loved one can hear the people and noises around him or her. Being able to hear can keep your loved one safe and capable of socializing. Noticing any of these six signs means it’s time to arrange for a hearing assessment.
1. Complaining about Dizziness or Ringing in the Ears
Some causes of hearing loss can generate other symptoms. Blockages within the ear canal and nerve problems can cause seniors to feel dizzy or experience tinnitus. A physical exam of the ear can identify reasons for these symptoms and any changes in your loved one’s hearing.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional homecare services. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
2. Turning the Volume Up on Electronic Devices
Walking into a room where the television is blaring might be mildly annoying for you as a caregiver. Seniors often start turning the volume up on their electronic devices to compensate for being unable to hear. This is especially common during TV and movie scenes in which several sounds are happening at once.
3. Getting Confused during Conversations
Hearing loss can contribute to some interesting situations when a person mishears specific words. A senior who cannot hear well may respond in unexpected ways because he or she misunderstood the question you asked. Your loved one may also get angry if he or she mishears a word and thinks someone was being insulting.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality at-home care. Phoenix families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
4. Not Hearing as Well with Background Noise
Your loved one’s hearing might seem perfectly fine at home but then he or she suddenly can’t hear when you’re in a crowded restaurant. Being unable to differentiate among different noises is a common complaint for people with hearing loss. For the time being, try eliminating any distractions when you need to talk to your loved one. Hearing aids can help with this symptom, but it does take time to adjust to certain types.
5. Having Difficulty Hearing while on the Phone
Speaking on the phone is also a challenge for seniors with hearing loss. If your loved one has the phone at full volume and still cannot hear, there’s likely a problem with his or her hearing and not with the device. Getting your loved one’s hearing loss treated makes it easier to maintain communication with friends and family members.
6. Asking People to Speak Up
Depending on your loved one’s personality, he or she may politely ask people to speak louder or claim people muffle their speech. Severe hearing loss might cause your loved one to repeatedly ask people to talk louder and repeat what they say. A shy senior might be afraid to ask someone to speak up, which could cause problems if he or she is receiving important information. Until your loved one’s hearing is better, consider appointing an advocate who can help him or her communicate well during situations when it’s critical, such as at doctor appointments.
Hearing loss and other age-related conditions could make it challenging for your loved one to live alone at home safely. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive around-the-clock home care. Phoenix seniors can count on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today.
