It’s hard to come to terms with hearing loss. Because it is usually a long, gradual process, many people don’t realize they aren’t hearing normally until someone else points it out. The TV volume goes up, the conversations change, especially with someone whose voice may be in a missing range, or sometimes it’s easier to skip an activity in a loud environment, like a family party, rather than become frustrated.
The best thing to do for hearing loss is to use hearing aids or some other assistive device, but those don’t work in all situations. Some conditions require other solutions, and for some, it’s a lengthy process to find the best solution. We probably all know someone who has hearing aids home in a drawer but won’t use them for a variety of reasons. Sometimes a different problem, like dementia, makes using or simply keeping track of hearing aids an insurmountable task.
In the meantime, though, caregivers, family members and friends can help out with some simple communication guidelines. This article from AgingCare outlines several techniques people can use with their loved ones, such as first getting their attention, using good lighting, and facing them directly to maintain attention. Patience is always helpful for everyone.
Losing the ability to hear well usually leads to isolation, social withdrawal, and eventually cognitive decline, so it’s important to maintain communication with your seniors as much as possible. This is a case where a team effort can make a big difference.
<a href="http://<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>How to Communicate With a Senior Who Has Hearing Loss</p> How to Communicate With a Senior Who Has Hearing Loss
Interfaith Caregivers 