Hearing loss can be frustrating for seniors. As people age, they gradually lose hearing, usually starting in their 50s or 60s. Presbycusis, often called age-related hearing loss, is a prevalent disorder affecting many seniors. To help them work through the changes, it’s important for loved ones and elder care professionals to help them along the way.
What Is Presbycusis?
Presbycusis is a condition frequently seen in seniors. It is estimated that approximately one-third of persons who are over the age of 65 have some level of Presbycusis.
Changes in the inner ear, the nerves that convey sound impulses to the brain, and the brain itself can all contribute to the development of Presbycusis in seniors. Typically, seniors’ hearing deteriorates gradually over time. This loss is often most noticeable in their ability to hear high-pitched sounds.
Seniors may also have problems hearing in complicated situations and understanding speech rhythms. This may cause them to turn up the volume on the television or radio or have difficulty hearing the phone ring.
Symptoms of Presbycusis
Although hearing loss affects seniors differently, there are a few common symptoms that loved ones, and elder care might notice.
- Seniors complain that others’ speech is muffled or blurred
- Seniors ask for loved ones and others to repeat themselves often
- Seniors become frustrated in crowded rooms because they cannot hear
- Seniors complain about ringing in their ears
Treatment of Presbycusis
There is no cure for Presbycusis at this time; however, several therapy options can help enhance hearing and minimize the impact that Presbycusis has. Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive technologies can all amplify sound and make it easier to hear.
Additionally, seniors may make a few lifestyle alterations to lessen Presbycusis’s influence on their day-to-day activities. Elder care professionals can help by supporting seniors with the changes they make or even helping them come up with them. In order to improve their health and wellness, seniors should also get regular hearing checkups.
How Can Loved Ones Help Seniors With Presbycusis?
It may be challenging for seniors to interact with people, participate in activities they once loved, and even cause feelings of loneliness and sadness when dealing with Presbycusis. Thankfully, there are a number of ways loved ones and elder care can support seniors who have Presbycusis.
- Encourage regular hearing tests with a hearing specialist, such as an audiologist
- Understand what hearing aids can and can’t do to determine if they are an option
- Assess communication techniques to assist loved ones dealing with Presbycusis – face seniors when talking to them, and speak clearly
- Consider assistive listening devices for televisions and phones
Remember that hearing loss can be distressing and lonely for seniors. It’s important to be kind and patient with them while helping them work through their feelings about hearing loss. If loved ones notice the changes significantly impact seniors’ health, it is essential to encourage them to seek out support groups or counseling. Elder care professionals can help loved ones monitor Presbycusis’s impact to ensure seniors get the help they need.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/5840-age-related-hearing-loss
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/presbycusis
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Fort Worth, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call (817) 631-7710
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Parker County, Tarrant County, Johnson County, Hood County, Somervell County, Erath County, Bosque County and Hamilton County in Texas.
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