5 Signs Your Parent Doesn’t Hear Well

Home Care Manalapan Township NJ: 5 Signs Your Parent Doesn’t Hear Well

Approximately one-third of older adults between the ages of 65 and 75 suffer from hearing loss. At age 75 and above, about 50 percent of seniors have hearing loss. Because it often happens gradually over time, sometimes older adults don’t even realize they don’t hear well. They get used to the hearing changes and may believe they hear just as well as they did when they were younger. It’s possible that you may not notice the changes in your aging parent either. Below are 5 signs to look for that can help you determine if your aging parent might be dealing with hearing loss.

#1: Avoids Using the Telephone

Does your aging parent ask you to make phone calls for them? Do they neglect to answer the phone when it rings or wave away offers to talk to someone on the phone? If so, it may be because they have difficulty hearing what people are saying over the phone.

#2: Trouble Following Conversations When There is Background Noise

Try this: Take your parent to the mall and sit down for a snack or drink in the food court when it is busy. Do they have trouble understanding what you are saying? Do they seem to be confused about what you are saying? Changes in the brain and ear that happen as people age can make it hard to process sounds and change the way people hear certain parts of speech, like “f” and “s.”

#3: The Television is Getting Really Loud

As hearing worsens, your parent may keep turning the volume up on the television to hear what is being said. Because television programs use a variety of sounds all at once, like background music, sound effects, and dialogue, it can be hard for older adults to pick out just one part of it. They may not realize the television is so loud, but it might be giving you a headache!

#4: Difficulty Understanding Grandchildren

The ability to hear higher pitched sounds can be one of the first things to go in a senior’s hearing. If your parent has trouble hearing the voices of young children, it can be an early sign of hearing loss.

#5: Not Participating in Conversations

Seniors with hearing loss may not chime in on conversations because they cannot hear what is being said. They may fear they will embarrass themselves by saying the wrong thing or misunderstanding what someone says.

If your aging relative shows signs of hearing loss, they should see a doctor or hearing specialist. Getting hearing aids will allow them to continue enjoying conversations with family and friends, which improves their quality of life.

Home care can assist older adults in getting hearing aids by driving them to appointments to have their hearing tested and hearing aids fitted. Home care providers can also help your parent to take care of their hearing aids. Home care providers can help to keep them clean and change the batteries when needed.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Manalapan Township, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Lares Home Care 888-492-3538 or 732-566-1112.

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

https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/hearing-loss-signs#1