Hearing Loss & Care for Seniors

As the years pass, one’s hearing is likely to diminish.  It may be particularly difficult for seniors to acknowledge loss of hearing because it is a fundamental aspect of communication and relationship-building in society and many fear that hearing loss is just the first step on a short path down the road to nursing home care. Hearing loss can be particularly isolating and can even lead to depression if one is not able to acknowledge it and come to terms with the aging process.

Older adults may begin to experience anxiety in the following situations:

• At family gatherings, where a lot of people are talking at once, for fear of being left out of family conversations;
• In talking to young children or to others who have high pitched voices, for fear of being embarrassed or having grandchildren or others become uninterested in them;
• At work, for fear of losing the opportunity to continue working; or
• At volunteer organizations, for fear of having to stop volunteering, and feeling left out of life.
• When they miss a significant sound cue (i.e. phone ringing, smoke detector), for fear that family members will suggest nursing home care immediately.

Individuals experiencing hearing loss may begin to withdraw because they feel they cannot keep up conversations, are afraid of being embarrassed, feel less competent, cannot come to terms with the fact that they are getting older, or are afraid of missing an important cue that could jeopardize their safety.  They may feel left out of conversations or try to pretend that they can hear a conversation, but it becomes obvious to the person that they are talking to that they cannot really hear what is being said.  This can lead to awkwardness for the person they are conversing with as well, as they know the person is bluffing but are not sure how to point this out without offending them.

In initiating a conversation with a senior who is experiencing hearing loss, there are several things to consider.  This is an important part of providing the best care for seniors.

First, hearing loss is usually gradual and occurs over time.  Therefore, the senior may not realize what they are missing initially.  In fact it may take as long as seven years after hearing loss has begun for it to be acknowledged and assistance to be sought.

Second, because hearing loss does not occur instantaneously or completely, the senior may be functioning well in many situations (for example, one-on-one or in an otherwise quiet setting) and it may only be when they are in a loud place with lots of people, multiple conversations and lots of cross talk that they may not be able to keep up with what is being said.

Third, a lot of fear of acknowledging hearing loss or other signs of aging is a fear of being unimportant, useless or otherwise left out.  In discussing hearing loss issues with an older adult, it is important to acknowledge that they are still important and it may be encouraging for them to hear that they still have much to contribute in spite of their hearing loss or other physical disability.

Fourth, before bringing up the issue to a senior, it may be helpful to do some preliminary research to offer hope that there is something they can do about their hearing loss. Hearing aids, cochlear implants and other assistance may help restore much of an individual’s hearing.  It might be particularly powerful to offer a story of a friend or family member whose hearing and related quality of life improved once they got a hearing aid.

Fifth, make communication as easy as possible.  Set up the conversation in an environment that is quiet. Make sure to have their attention before speaking. Have a face-to-face conversation in which each person has a clear view of the other’s face.  Do not shout, but speak clearly and at a moderate pace.  Do not chew gum or food while talking.  Use visuals including facial expressions and gestures to give context to what is being said.  Be prepared to state something again in a different way in case the first way is not effective.

Sixth, be sensitive, respectful and encouraging.  Speak to the person not about the person.  Stay calm and relaxed.  Remain positive even if communication is difficult or slow, and be prepared to inject light humor into the conversation.

Patience is important when addressing hearing loss or any other change in physical ability or skill.  Because hearing deterioration is gradual, the person may not be ready to acknowledge the hearing loss initially.  However, by sensitively approaching the individual and planting seeds of hope that it can be improved, as hearing loss more significantly impacts day-to-day activity, the senior may become more willing to acknowledge the issue and seek assistance.

Golden Heart Senior Care of Dayton, OH provides in home care for seniors to the following cities:
Beavercreek, Bellbrook, Brookville, Centerville, Clayton, Dayton, Eaton, Englewood, Enon, Farmersville, Franklin, Germantown, Huber Heights, Kettering, Lebanon, Lewisburg, Mason, Miami Township, Miamisburg, Middletown, Monroe, Moraine, New Carlisle, Oakwood, Riverside, Springboro, Springfield, Sugarcreek Township, Sugarcreek, Tipp City, Troy, Union, Vandalia, Washington Township, Waynesville, West Carrollton, West Chester, West Milton, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Xenia, & Yellow Springs, Ohio