Having the ability to effectively communicate is an important part of a person’s overall existence. Being able to listen and speak is part of the foundation that allows people to communicate with one another. However, there are times when an elderly person finds it difficult to hear clearly. As a family caregiver, you might have noticed the elderly person in your life has issues communicating. However, there are some tips you can use to help your elderly loved one enhance their communication skills.
Determine If It’s Hearing Loss
The first thing you need to do to help your elderly loved one is to determine if their hearing loss is due to a health issue or if it is something else. Some symptoms that are generally associated with hearing loss include the following:
- Hard to hear others during a conversation
- Difficulty hearing people speak during a phone call
- Frequently hear hissing sounds throughout the day
- Needing to have the television turned way up
- Your loved one has to ask others to repeat themselves
- Having difficulty hearing sounds when there is background noise
If your elderly loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to have them contact their doctor to rule out medical reasons for their hearing loss.
See a Professional
If your elderly loved one has hearing loss, it is best to have them see a professional. Their doctor can help determine the cause of their hearing loss. Many doctors prescribe hearing aids to help their patients who have hearing loss. However, some elderly people are reluctant to use these. If your elderly loved one is shying away from a hearing aid, you might want to explain to them that technology has improved considerably over the years. Most hearing aids on the market are more effective, less obtrusive, and modernized to meet the needs of elderly people.
It is important to understand that in some circumstances hearing loss is so severe that hearing aids won’t be effective. In these types of situations, a doctor might recommend other types of treatments.
How to Help Your Elderly Loved One with Their Hearing Loss
The most important thing you can do for your elderly loved one who is experiencing hearing loss is to provide the best care possible. This includes being patient and empathetic with them. We all know that it can be frustrating trying to communicate with someone who has hearing loss. However, it is just as frustrating, or even more, for the person with the hearing loss. If you remain patient and stay calm it can reduce the stress of the situation. It can also help your elderly loved one know that their hearing loss isn’t the end of the world.
Conclusion
There are many things you can do for your elderly loved one who is experiencing hearing loss. Encourage them to speak to their doctor about their hearing issues, be patient with them, and stay calm.
Sources
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-older-adults
If you are considering elderly care in West Memorial, TX, for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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