ARTICLES / General /Hearing
Loss Prevention /
Other ArticlesBy Valerie Thelen, Staff Writer
Second, many seniors are concerned with spending
money. They may say, “It would cost too much to get
a hearing aid!” The commitment associated with
hearing aids or other devices is looked at as
permanent and thus, a large cost. A caregiver must
realize that while this is true, a quality of life
has its own cost. Both caregiver and loved one must
weigh their options once a hearing loss is
diagnosed.
And third, people of all ages are worried about
appearing “old.” A hearing aid only increases that
perception in many minds. The NFCA advises
caregivers to remind a loved one that continually
asking people to repeat themselves and being left
out of conversation can be a more visible indicator
of age than a hearing aid. Also, with today’s
technology, hearing aids are less imposing and
noticeable than ever before.
If a caregiver is prepared to thwart excuses with
a little preparation before, a loved one will feel
that their caregiver is competent, educated and safe
to care for them. It will instill a confidence in a
loved one when a caregiver is knowledgeable and
organized.
Maintenance
There are many ways to protect a loved one’s
hearing and make living with the condition as
comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
First, don’t shout! Many caregivers may think
that talking louder and slower is helpful, but in
actuality, it distorts the conversation even more
for a person with hearing loss. Professionals
suggest speaking at a normal speed and tone, with
small modifications, is best.
Background noise is a huge deterrent for loved
ones with hearing loss. Try to eliminate these
distractions as much as possible. If at home and
having a conversation, turn off the TV or radio, fan
or other electric device. Shut windows if traffic
noise is an issue.
After the noise is limited and a conversation can
occur, talking face-to-face is best. A group setting
may be hard for a person with hearing loss to catch
multiple conversations.
In addition to these talking tips, there is some
physical maintenance which can help maintain a loved
one’s hearing. A caregiver can start by scheduling a
yearly physical. Many times, caregivers are running
a loved one to the doctor for a variety of ailments.
However, a yearly physical is one appointment not to
be overlooked. This is the best way to detect and
also prevent many medical problems.
Just as a person makes a yearly trip to the eye
doctor and needs a prescription to buy new glasses,
every person in their senior years should have their
ears checked as well. A hearing test will reveal
what a loved one may have been “missing” and not
even known.
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