Seniors are often most impacted by hearing loss because conditions impact seniors' hearing, among other things. If you're looking for ways to help manage or avoid hearing loss, this is a good place to start. Not all seniors have hearing loss, but many will struggle with some type of hearing loss. Here are a few ways you or home care assistance can help a senior cope with hearing loss and manage daily life more easily.
Always Get Regular Checkups
Every senior can manage their hearing loss by going to a doctor and getting regular exams. Doctors will be able to tell how much hearing loss a senior has and have solutions for when it gets bad. Some seniors may not be able to hear certain tones; this means they can still hear, just not certain sounds. However, the only way to get this information is by taking your loved one to the doctor regularly. They should be going once or twice a year, whatever is recommended by the doctor. If they can no longer safely drive, ensure they have home care assistance who can help with non-emergency transportation. Getting hearing checkups should be a natural part of a senior's routine.
Ask About Hearing Aids
Often, hearing aids can help those seniors who can still hear, just not well. They enhance a person's ability to hear, and it may make them more independent. This is not a device that can reverse hearing loss or fix a big problem, but it can help increase someone's independence. The more they can hear, the better they can do things without extra help.
Find Listening Devices
If your senior doesn't want to wear hearing aids, that is normal and fine. They can still go to museums, movies, and other activities that involve listening. However, they may need to acquire extra listening devices. Many places like churches and museums have devices that can help explain what is going on through small speakers that fit right into a senior's ears. In addition, there are phones meant for seniors that can amplify sounds and TVs that can help them read what is going on instead of listening.
Find The Right Help
It can be so hard to age in place when you can't hear, but luckily, there are things that will help your loved one age in place. One of the best things you can do is be there for your seniors incase they need help. But if you have a family and a full-time job, this can be hard to do. You can't be there all of the time. Luckily, home care assistance are professionals who can help your old age in place. They can help your seniors focus on getting around and communicating with them, even with hearing loss.
Learn New Ways to Communicate
When your senior can't hear you anymore, you will have to figure out how to communicate differently. Luckily, you can write things out and leave notes or reminders, use body language, or speak more clearly. There are other ways to communicate besides screaming at your loved one.
