Causes and Effects of Hearing Loss in Seniors

Hearing is an important part of daily activities. It helps people to know what is going on around them, engage in conversation with others, and receive important information. As people age, however, their hearing can begin to deteriorate. This can make some activities more difficult or frustrating. There are also medical and environmental causes of hearing loss.

Common Causes of Hearing Loss:

• Aging: Presbycusis is the term often used to describe hearing loss that occurs as a result of aging. Over time, hearing begins to decline but the extent varies from person to person. It can be affected by damage to the ear, loud noises, infections, disease, and more.
• Loud Noises: Prolonged exposure to loud noises or environments can impact hearing loss. Those who have worked in factories, construction, or other types of settings may have unknowingly damaged their hearing.
•  Infection: Both viral and bacterial infections can impact hearing. Build up of fluid and earwax can as well. Treating infections promptly can help to preserve hearing.
• Tinnitus: This isn’t exactly hearing loss, but rather a ringing in the ears. It can impact seniors’ ability to hear correctly and make sense of conversation.

Effects of Hearing Loss:

• Decreased safety: If seniors cannot hear adequately, they may miss cues that indicate danger. They could miss warning alerts or simply the sound of something coming toward them. Not being able to hear the phone or having to turn devices up loudly can be problematic.
• Decreased socialization: Because they have difficulty hearing conversations, programs, or surrounding noises, seniors may shy away from social activities. It could be a frustrating situation, or perhaps they do not want to admit that their hearing is deteriorating. With decreased hearing, it can become more challenging to engage in back and forth dialogue or pay attention to television shows, movies, or other activities.
• Misunderstanding: Not being able to understand what someone is saying can lead to misunderstandings. Seniors may not understand how to properly take medication or use appliances. They may misinterpret instructions or directions. This can lead to more serious issues.

Recognizing the signs of hearing loss and undergoing regular screenings can help to identify problems before they become more serious. Treatment can help to clear up infections or resolve certain damage to the ear. Hearing aids can help to amplify and direct sound to make hearing easier. There are also modifications that can be made around the home to help mitigate the effects of hearing loss and increase safety. These could include lights that flash when the phone rings, smoke alarm goes off, or doorbell is rung. This combines the auditory signal with a visual signal. If you or a loved one is having difficulty hearing or notice you have to turn things up more loudly, consider having your hearing checked to detect potential problems.

Hearing Aid Assistance for Seniors

Photo credit: birminghammag on Flickr.

With World Hearing Aid Awareness Week just around the corner (September 29 through October 5), it’s important to take a moment to understand just how integral it is that seniors have access to the resources they need to keep their hearing at the highest level possible. With regard to senior health, hearing is one of the senses that is most frequently lost or weakened during the aging process. As such, eldercare professionals in Hendersonville and Waynesville urge you to understand how you can help your elderly loved one to get the best care pertaining to their hearing possible.

Individuals who provide eldercare, Always Best Care Asheville professionals included, serve as a lifeline of sorts between seniors and the healthcare they need to stay in optimal shape. Below are a few things to keep in mind when celebrating Hearing Aid Awareness Week—and to remember as you care for your elderly loved one.

1. Hearing loss can make seniors feel disoriented and cause them to become frustrated, as they have difficultly communicating. For many elderly individuals it is hard to admit that they are suffering from hearing loss, so it is important to schedule an appointment for your loved one if you believe they may be experiencing this issue. 
2. Getting used to a hearing aid takes time, and the process of getting a hearing aid and using it can be intimidating to some people. Make sure that you remain patient with your loved one and that you take the time necessary to help them adjust to their hearing aid while providing them with the instruction they need to use it properly. 
3. Keep in communication with your elderly loved one’s doctor. It is important that your senior has a support network that is there to help them through this experience. By keeping up with information regarding your loved one’s condition, you can better support them and their needs as they transition to the use of a hearing aid. 

Getting a hearing aid is something that greatly improves the quality of life for seniors who have hearing impairment. To celebrate Hearing Aid Awareness Week, why not schedule a hearing screening for your senior to make sure that they have access to the support they need?