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Posted on August 13, 2019

Recognizing Signs of Hearing Loss in Seniors: Luxor Nursing and Rehabilitation at Mills Pond with 10 Ways to Help Your Loved One

Just about one in every three people over the age of 65 have some type of hearing loss. However, the greater concern may be among the remaining two-thirds who have not been diagnosed.

According to an AARP poll, 47 percent of those surveyed report having untreated hearing loss. Unscientifically, that puts the total number of seniors who are realistically dealing with some sort of hearing loss at around 66 percent.

What’s more, untreated hearing loss can be dangerous. Studies have shown that there is a link between hearing loss and a higher risk of dementia (including Alzheimer’s).

Many with untreated hearing loss don’t tell anyone because they are embarrassed or think “it’s normal.” Thus, it’s left to friends and family to notice the signs and try to convince the person to get checked out.

Luxor Nursing and Rehabilitation at Mills Pond has 10 things to look out for. 

 

  • Telephone Troubles

 

Hearing issues can sometimes be masked because, while a person may not hear everything clearly, they can read lips to fill in the blanks. Since a telephone only relies on hearing, issues more clearly present themselves this way. 

 

  • Issues With Multiple Speakers

 

Multiple speakers can overload the senses, especially if the brain is busy trying to process what just one person is saying.

 

  • Volume Blaring on the Television

 

 

  • Straining to Understand a Speaker

 

 

  • Background Noise Problems

 

Don’t worry if someone has trouble hearing you in a noisy environment like a bar or a sporting event, but someone with good hearing shouldn’t have trouble in a restaurant with a moderate amount of noise or at an outdoor park or playground.

 

  • Complaints of Pain, Dizziness, or Ringing in Ears

 

Physical symptoms can point to an issue where hearing loss is a by-product of a larger issue. An inner ear disorder (like Meniere’s disease) or Eustachian tube dysfunction could be the primary issue.

 

  • Asking People to Repeat Themselves Frequently

  • Complaining that People are Mumbling or Not Speaking Clearly
  • Having Trouble Understanding People With a Higher Pitch

 

 

  • Not Answering the Question That is Asked

 

If this is happening, chances are the person didn’t understand what you said and are trying to compensate by guessing what you asked them.

If You Notice These Symptoms, Encourage the Person to Get a Hearing Test

If the person realizes they are having hearing issues but are reluctant to get it checked, it may be hard to convince them to see someone. However, a hearing test is not invasive, it’s nothing for anyone to be ashamed of, and it could be a by-product of a serious health issue. You can gently explain this to your friend or family member; hopefully, that will lead to them taking action.




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