Understanding Age-Related Hearing Loss

Lots of seniors have hearing problems, and you may think it’s abnormal, or they have underlying conditions, but the truth is loss of hearing can be a normal part of aging for some people. Whether it’s you or a home care provider who notices a senior needs to turn the tv up louder, it’s important to understand why it happens.

If your parent is living with you and they speak too loudly, listen to the TV too loudly, you may start getting grumpy about their hearing loss. However, it’s crucial to take a step back and understand that this isn’t their fault. Learning about age-related hearing loss may help you understand what your mom and dad are going through.

Taking care of your mom or dad will likely be an adjustment for you. They are used to being the provider and may not be fully aware of the aging process. On the flip side, you are used to being the child and having them provide for you. The roles are reversed when a senior enters their final stages of life, and you must understand the health concerns and why they do the things they do.

Learning About The Different Types of Hearing Loss

Home Care in Scarsdale NY
Home Care in Scarsdale NY

Unfortunately, a senior may not even be aware they are suffering from hearing loss and not get checked up regularly. If that happens hearing loss can get worse leading to greater frustrations in the future. This is why it is essential for a senior to have a good team of professional health care providers who can help diagnose problems as they arise. Hearing loss can be diagnosed in two categories.

  • Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by irreversible injury to the inner ear or auditory nerve.
  • Conductive hearing loss (generally curable), in which sound waves are unable to reach the inner ear.

To understand which type your mom or dad suffer from, they need to go to the doctor to get tested and have their ears looked at.

What Are The Signs of Hearing Loss?

Most of the time hearing loss is a gradual process and this is why not all seniors will realize they have lost their hearing. Sometimes the entire family will miss the first few symptoms.

  • A seniors speech may sound muffled
  • They may not be able to follow a conversation in a loud area
  • Asking you to repeat things slower
  • Turning up radios and TVs
  • They may start avoiding noisy places
  • They may stop talking to you because they can no longer hear

A lot of these symptoms can be picked up through observation. Unfortunately, if you do not live with your mom or dad you could mistake these symptoms for signs of aging and not connect them to hearing loss at all. This is why hearing loss can go unnoticed for so long and your senior parent may not even be aware that it is happening.

If you are considering home care in Scarsdale, NY, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts At Home of NYC today at 212-201-6139.

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