There Is No Shame In Hearing Loss - Get Help!

Is your loved one constantly asking people to repeat themselves? Does he or she have a difficult time following a conversation that involves more than one person? Is your loved one withdrawing from social situations?

Chances are, your loved one may be experiencing loss of hearing. He or she is not alone. One third of people over age 60–and more than half the people over age 85–have hearing loss. According to the National Institutes of Health, hearing loss is the third-most-common physical condition in the US behind arthritis and heart disease.

An individual suffering from hearing loss can feel stressed from straining to hear what others are saying and become annoyed at other people, which can cause his or her loved ones to become annoyed too. Older adults may also feel embarrassed by their hearing loss and may find themselves in embarrassing situation due to misunderstanding what others are saying. This embarrassment can lead to withdrawal, loneliness, and depression. They may also find themselves in dangerous driving situations due to not hearing other vehicles. The culmination of these stressors can cause an older adult to lose his or her independence.

Older adults should realize there is no shame in hearing loss. Truly, getting one's hearing checked is no different than getting fitted for glasses! Encourage your loved one to seek treatment. Hearing aid technology is getting better and better. Hearing aids today are smaller and more comfortable. Audiologists custom tailor the devices for the person's needs. Technology can now wirelessly connect people with hearing loss to their televisions, personal computers, phones and MP3 players.

There are "booming" alarm clocks, watches and telephone ringers, too, that make life easier for people with hearing challenges. Your own actions can help your loved one be more comfortable in a difficult situation.

When you are talking with your loved one who has hearing loss, be sure that you are facing him or her, so he or she can see you. Your loved one may need to read your lips and see your facial expressions. Speak louder, but don't shout. Try to speak clearly. Eliminate background noise. If you go out to eat, try not to sit by the kitchen or a noisy section of the restaurant. Turn off the TV or radio while conversing.

Successful aging involves maintaining a high quality of life. Communication plays a major role in maintaining friendships, ensuring independence, and participating in activities of daily life. Don't let hearing loss interfere with your loved one's well-being and happiness.

Resource: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health