3 Tips for Caregivers of Patients with Hearing Loss

Younger individuals are susceptible to hearing loss, but senior citizens are more likely have it. For people between the ages of 65 and 74, about one-third have some degree of hearing loss. The numbers increase with people older than age 75. Hearing loss reduces the ability of the hearing loss sufferer to communicate with family members, friends, and caregivers.

A good relationship between patient and caregiver is necessary for providing support. The caregiver can be a professional or loved one. But the process can be frustrating if the patient has undiagnosed or untreated hearing loss.

Patients with hearing loss are at greater risk for physical and mental health problems. In regards to the physical aspect, falling down with devastating results is three times more likely with hearing loss. Hearing loss can also be a symptom of diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

In regards to the mental aspect, feeling isolated or withdrawing from social situations rather than struggle to hear conversations, is a serious reality.

What caregivers should know

Caregivers need to recognize hearing loss in their patients and communicate with them accordingly. Here are 3 Tips for caregivers:
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• Lower the noise. Eliminate noises competing for their attention. Hearing loss patients not only have a harder time hearing speech, they also have a harder time understanding speech. Turn off the television when not in use. And don’t have conversations near buzzing or humming appliances.
• Adjust your voice. You might talk louder and repeat yourself around someone with hearing loss, but the patient may think you are yelling them. Instead, try enunciating your words, pausing between words, and speaking slowly and clearly.
• Get their attention. Talking face-to-face is best. They might not hear you if you are talking from another room or not facing them. Making physical eye contact will enhance communication.

These tips will help to make communication more effective and less frustrating.

Keeping the patient healthy

Although better communication is key, a visit to a hearing care professional is also important for the hearing impaired. An evaluation for medical conditions that may cause hearing loss may be necessary, and hearing aids may be recommended.

For information on getting hearing aids if they are recommended, contact your hearing instrument specialist at Pure Sound Hearing Aids.

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