Hearing loss affects millions of people each year, and it’s more common among older people. There are a few different causes of hearing loss, but wear and tear lead to cumulative damage over time. So, the older you get, the more likely you are to lose your hearing to some degree.
So, if your parents or grandparents are starting to lose their hearing, how can you help them navigate their lives and maintain their relationships? Here are a few tips to help you care for older relatives in this situation.
If You Suspect Hearing Loss
Interestingly, hearing loss is one of those conditions where the person most affected by it can be the last person to realize. This is because the brain is really good at compensating for changes in hearing, so even if someone has moderate hearing loss, they might not notice.
But if you find yourself having to speak louder to be heard, or you have to repeat yourself often, it could be an issue. Another sign might be that they suddenly start using closed captions, or you find the volume on television and the radio much louder.
In this case, don’t get annoyed with your loved one for not noticing. Mention that you’re worried about their hearing, but try not to be accusatory. Explain why you think they might have a problem, and suggest that they get it checked out by a professional.
Getting a Hearing Test
The next step is for your older relatives to get a hearing test. But first, it’s a good idea to rule out other potential causes of hearing loss, like excess earwax, an injury to the ear, or an ear infection. These problems can happen at any age, and the person’s hearing can recover completely once they’re sorted.
If they do need a hearing test, they’ll find the test itself is painless and non-invasive. You can join your relatives if they’re worried, and explain your experiences to the audiologist, but it’s important not to take over the appointment.
After the test, the audiologist will help you both with interpreting complex hearing test results so you know the extent of the hearing loss and the potential prognosis.
Caring For Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can be a wonderful form of assistance for people with hearing loss. Learning sign language can also be helpful as it gives people with hearing loss a way to communicate. But hearing aids are more common for people who lose their hearing later in life.
Some people are reluctant to get hearing aids because they think they look too obvious. But depending on the type and extent of hearing loss, some aids can be almost invisible to the naked eye.
Hearing aids are great, but they need to be looked after. Make sure that they’re stored somewhere safe when they’re not being used, and clean hearing aids regularly. You will also need to be able to change the batteries when they run low.
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