Does your elderly loved one have age-related hearing loss? If so, they might feel excluded, misunderstood, and isolated. They might feel as if their friends and family members find it difficult to have conversations with them now that they can’t hear as well. This can be tough on your elderly loved one. Are you unsure if your elderly loved one has age-related hearing loss? Keep reading here to learn more about this condition.
Red Flags for Age-Related Hearing Loss
If you aren’t sure whether or not your elderly loved one has age-related hearing loss, there are some red flags for this condition. Some of the things that you should be on the lookout for in your elderly loved one include the following:
- They turn up the television louder than it needs to be
- They complain that others are mumbling during conversations
- They often ask people to repeat what they are saying
- They struggle to hear children or softer voices
- They get lost in conversations where multiple people are talking
- They can’t hear well on the telephone
Do you or a senior care provider notice these things with your elderly loved one? If so, you should have your loved one get a hearing test done. If they have this type of hearing loss, there are some tips to help you communicate better with them.
Communication Tips for Age-Related Hearing Loss
Did you find out that your elderly loved one does have age-related hearing loss? If so, there are certain things you can do to improve your communications with your loved one. The things that you can do differently from now on when communicating with your elderly loved one include the following:
- Talk more clearly when speaking to your elderly loved one
- Talk at a slower pace while looking directly at your elderly loved one
- Keep eye contact with your elderly loved one
- Use hand gestures and body language to help your elderly loved one to understand what you are saying better
- Reduce background noises and other distractions when speaking to your elderly loved one
- Stay relaxed and patient when talking to your elderly loved one
- Try using different words if your elderly loved one asks you to say something over again
These are just some of the many helpful things that you can do if your elderly loved one has age-related hearing loss.
Conclusion
Age-related hearing loss can be tough on your elderly loved one. It can be tough on you and others who are trying to communicate with your loved one, as well. However, with the tips mentioned above, you, senior care providers, and others can have better and more productive conversations with your elderly loved one.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Care in Westminster, MD please contact the caring staff at Just Divine Home Care Agency today at (301) 219-1585.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults