Hearing Loss in Elderly, part 2

Signs of hearing loss include:

  • Trouble hearing during phone conversations
  • Problems in following conversations in person
  • A need to turn up the TV volume
  • An inability to hear because of background noise
  • A feeling that others are mumbling

Hearing aids today come in sizes that are virtually undetectable. They work by making sounds louder – although they sometimes will also increase the sound of background noises (such as crowds of people, or motor vehicle traffic). Always consult your insurance carrier before buying a hearing aid. Your policy may cover some or all of the expense.

A doctor may suggest that you see an audiologist, who are professionals trained to measure hearing. An audiologist will use an audiometer to test your ability to hear sounds of different pitch and loudness. It’s a painless test that can determine the benefits of a hearing aid, and if so which kind will work best.

In many cases, an audiologist will not only make the recommendation but will allow the individual to try the hearing aid out before buying it.

Assistive/adaptive devices are those products that help people learn to live with hearing loss. They may include a telephone amplifying system, a telephone with enlarged keypad, a TV listening system and/or visual prompts for dialogue. Also, alerts such as doorbells, smoke detectors and alarm clocks that use a vibration or flashing light to signal the individual. Many public places – theatres, museums, houses of worship – offer assistive devices for those with hearing problems.

A personal listening system is composed of a directional microphone connected to earphones to help you hear a specific set of sounds while eliminating or lowering other noises. Some are designed for crowded rooms while others are intended for one-to-one conversation.

Don’t wait until your hearing prevents you from enjoying life.   Homecare staff can often bring relief to the social isolation of deafness.  Oftentimes, with just a bit of home help, there are things you can do to reduce or eliminate the problem.

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