How to Tell If an Older Adult Has Hearing Loss

According to the American Academy of Audiology, around 25 percent of adults over the age of 65 have some form of hearing loss. It is important for seniors and their loved ones to address sudden or severe hearing loss as quickly as possible. Here is a look at a few of the most common signs of hearing loss. 

Background Noises Seem Overwhelming

Seniors who have hearing loss won’t be able to distinguish between a conversation and background noises. This is a common sign of moderate hearing loss, and it can often be treated with hearing aids or cochlear implants. 

Hearing loss can impact your loved one’s overall health and wellbeing. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a home care provider Dayton, Ohio, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Following Conversations Is Difficult

If your loved one gets distracted in the middle of conversations, you might want to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, a speech therapist, or his or her primary doctor. Many issues can make it difficult to follow conversations, and you need to make sure your loved one receives the proper treatment. In addition to hearing loss, this issue can also be the symptom of a mental health disorder. As a general rule, seniors should undergo a comprehensive hearing test at least once a year. 

Taking your senior loved one to medical appointments and accomplishing other caregiving duties may be challenging without assistance. If you are the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Dayton, Ohio, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

He or She Hears Unusual or Repetitive Noises

One of the most unusual symptoms of hearing loss is the presence of ringing or hissing sounds. Instead of hearing nothing, your loved one might claim he or she constantly hears the sound of wind or running water. These noises can be caused by a wide variety of medical conditions, including damaged eardrums, and your loved one should immediately see a hearing specialist for a full checkup. In some cases, ringing in the ears may be the result of a chronic disorder such as Meniere’s disease. 

The Volume on the TV or Radio Is Turned Up Too High

Turning the volume up on electronic devices isn’t necessarily a sign of hearing loss, but you should keep a close eye on the situation. A senior who has hearing loss might gradually turn the volume up on the television or radio over the course of a few months. As long as the hearing loss is relatively minor, you might be able to address this issue by investing in a wireless headset that connects to your loved one’s electronics. 

He or She Claims Others Are Mumbling

Many older adults complain that others are constantly mumbling. While these speech issues might be happening occasionally, there could be a much bigger issue to face if your loved one can’t follow any conversations.
If your loved one is living with hearing loss that is impacting the ability to carry out daily tasks safely, consider hiring a professional caregiver. A Dayton caregiver can help your elderly loved one manage his or her health in a variety of ways. If your loved one needs encouragement to exercise more often, eat healthier foods, or socialize on a regular basis, an in-home caregiver can address these and many other health-related concerns. To learn about our high-quality elderly care plans, give Home Care Assistance a call at [hca_phone] today.