According to the US National Library of Medicine – National Institute of Health, “Hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit in the elderly and it is becoming a severe social and health problem.”
Presbycusis is a bilateral type of hearing loss caused by cochlear degeneration in the process of aging. This gradually deteriorative disorder inhibits the overall quality of life for millions of American seniors causing emotional problems and worsens dementia. Sadly, despite the best efforts to understand how this problem advances, clinicians are still unable to stop its progression.
Senior care studies show that presbycusis contributes to a variety of problems in seniors including depression and anxiety. At home elder care providers note that feelings of loneliness and isolation are also prevalent, as well as reduced social and emotional interactions. If you have a senior loved one suffering from this kind of hearing loss, Golden Heart Senior Care has some at home elder care tips that will help you to improve their quality of life.
First, consult your family doctor or a qualified audiologist for a thorough diagnosis. The use of hearing aids has been reported to dramatically improve depression and anxiety in presbycuis sufferers.
When interacting with your loved one, speak clearly and slowly, in a slightly raised voice. Never yell or shout. Not only can that be startling and actually aggravate anxiety, it can also reinforce negative feelings about their hearing problem.
Get to the point of your message. When not clearly understood, sarcasm muttered under the breath, but still visible to someone watching your lips, could be personally misinterpreted.
Finally, use short sentences, facial expressions, and hand gestures to help get your message across. You can also point to objects when necessary, but be polite and, above all, be patient.
By following these at home elder care suggestions, seniors and their family members will better be able to communicate in the face of hearing loss.
