How to Help a Loved One Who Is Experiencing Hearing Loss
What? What did you say? I can't hear you!
If you hear these phrases frequently, you're probably dealing with a loved one who is suffering from significant hearing loss.
What makes hearing loss so hard to detect in its early stages is the fact that age-related hearing loss usually happens slowly over a period of 20 to 40 years. During this time, the primary auditory cortex area of the brain actually reorganizes itself to compensate for reduced hearing. This is why your loved one does not realize they can no longer hear as well as they used to.
If you hear these phrases frequently, you're probably dealing with a loved one who is suffering from significant hearing loss.
What makes hearing loss so hard to detect in its early stages is the fact that age-related hearing loss usually happens slowly over a period of 20 to 40 years. During this time, the primary auditory cortex area of the brain actually reorganizes itself to compensate for reduced hearing. This is why your loved one does not realize they can no longer hear as well as they used to.
Age-Related Hearing Loss
Many people over 50 are diagnosed with presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss. As you age, your inner ear nerve cells deteriorate enough to prevent the normal detection and interpretation of sounds. In addition, medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease can interfere with the functioning of the eardrum and contribute to presbycusis.
How to Help Someone Dealing With Hearing Loss
People with undiagnosed hearing loss may become lonely and depressed as they start to withdraw from family and friends. They may be embarrassed by having to ask people to repeat themselves or by not being able to engage in conversation with others.
Things you can do to make life easier for a loved one experiencing hearing loss include:
Learn more about how to help a loved one or a relative experiencing hearing loss by contacting us today.
Things you can do to make life easier for a loved one experiencing hearing loss include:
- Make sure you have their complete attention before you begin speaking to them.
- Always face your loved one and maintain eye contact when speaking to them. Body language and facial expressions improve their ability to understand you.
- If you are a “hand talker,” try not to use your hands when speaking. This may distract them from focusing on listening to your voice.
- Don't exaggerate the way you say your words. Speak naturally and distinctly. Talking loudly or shouting can distort words.
- If your loved one asks you to repeat something, rephrase what you said instead of repeating it. Using different words in a different sentence pattern may help them “hear” what you are saying.
- Don't hold conversations with someone who suffers hearing loss in noisy places. Even quiet background noise can interfere with the ability to hear.
Learn more about how to help a loved one or a relative experiencing hearing loss by contacting us today.