Sound is a vital component in daily life, as it helps people stay connected. However, many people slowly lose some of their hearing over time. Presbycusis, another name for age-related hearing loss, is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide. However, even when the physical symptoms of hearing loss are obvious, the psychological and emotional effects are frequently hidden, especially if seniors think their hearing loss might affect their independence.
With home care assistance, seniors gain a consistent source of support, which can encourage them to open up about the psychological and emotional effects they may be feeling.
Signs of Hearing Loss Associated with Aging
While no two situations are the same, there are some signs loved ones and home care providers can look for when assessing whether seniors might be dealing with hearing loss. Those are included below:
- Difficulty Understanding Speech: One of the first symptoms is trouble following conversation, particularly in noisy settings. Seniors tend to misunderstand what is being said or ask someone to repeat themselves.
- Reduced Capacity to Hear High-Pitched Noises: Seniors who are experiencing age-related hearing loss may find it difficult to hear high-frequency noises such as children’s voices and the chirping of birds.
- Tinnitus: Tinnitus, or a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears, is a common symptom of age-related hearing loss in seniors. This may cause them to become distracted and make it difficult for them to concentrate on sounds outside.
- Elevated Volume on Electronic Devices: As their hearing deteriorates, seniors may begin to adjust the volume on their radios, televisions, or cellphones. With home care services, the high volume likely won’t go unnoticed for long.
- Social Withdrawal: Hearing problems can make seniors feel frustrated and ashamed in social settings. Seniors who formerly loved social activities may start to distance themselves out of fear of missing out on conversations or feeling excluded.
- Fatigue and Stress: Hearing problems can be mentally draining. Trying to put together broken sounds or continuously trying to hear bits and pieces of conversation can make seniors feel more stressed and exhausted.
Reasons Why Seniors Might Deny Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is still associated with a great deal of stigma, as some people see it as a sign of weakness or aging. Seniors who choose to hide their hearing issues rather than get assistance may do so out of embarrassment or shame. Or, as mentioned above, they might be fearful of losing their independence and becoming a burden on their loved ones.
For these reasons, they may minimize or reject the extent of their hearing loss, particularly when it is first developing.
Tips for Encouraging Seniors to Ask for Help
It’s important for seniors to have home care providers, medical professionals, and loved ones on their side to reduce the stigma associated with age-related hearing loss. The following tips can be used to encourage them to ask for help:
- Normalize the Conversation: It’s important to promote candid conversations regarding the state of one’s hearing and normalize the use of assistive technology, such as hearing aids. Eliminating stigma and debunking falsehoods requires home care assistance and education.
- Provide Support and Empathy: The support team should show compassion and empathy when having discussions concerning hearing loss. It’s important to assure seniors that asking for assistance is a proactive move that will enhance their quality of life.
With home care assistance, seniors can gain the support and encouragement they need to learn about their hearing issues and talk about them openly.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Fort Collins, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Fort Collins, CO, today. Call (970) 829-0447
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Fort Collins, CO, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Fort Collins, Ault, Berthoud, Eaton, Evans, Fort Collins, Garden City, Greeley, Johnstown, Laporte, Loveland, Milliken, Nunn, Pierce, Wellington, Windsor and surrounding areas in Colorado.
Sources:
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/presbycusis
- https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/seniors-hearing-loss/
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