One of the common issues that arises as we get older is that many experience hearing loss. Unfortunately, this is often not only a physical issue but an emotional one, as communicating becomes more difficult.
Often hearing issues can cause frustration, especially before they are diagnosed. Relatives may think that they are being ignored, or that the senior doesn’t understand what is being said to them. Even after you know what is going on, it can be frustrating to repeat sentences over and over, or have your parent not understand what you are saying. Hearing aids are a simple solution, but many elderly patients often lose them, refuse to wear them, or even turn them off. It is therefore essential for people close to them to recognize the symptoms of hearing loss. In doing so, they can properly address the challenges associated with the condition.
Hearing Loss in Senior Citizens
Hearing loss is common, and most people will experience it to some degree. In fact, some people are afflicted with hearing loss after exposure to loud noises, such as construction work or loud speakers at events. However, hearing loss is most typically seen in senior citizens as they age.
Loss of hearing is a prolific issue among the elderly, and is reported to be the third most common health issue, behind arthritis and heart disease. Because hearing loss doesn’t have a physical manifestation, it can be missed if the senior experiencing it doesn’t share their symptoms. If you suspect that your loved one is losing their hearing, look for other signs such as moments of confusion, personality changes, or emotional mood swings. These emotional and psychological effects can be so pronounced that they may even be mistaken for early onset dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
What Causes a Loss of Hearing?
Seniors who suffer from progressive hearing loss may have worked in any number of professions when younger. These jobs often included working with loud, heavy equipment; guns or other artillery, or loud music. As more and more people wear ear pieces that direct music or other audio directly into their ears, this issue is expected to get worse in the future,
Those with hearing loss may be able to attribute the condition to other causes, such as earwax buildup due to ineffective ear cleaning, an obstruction in the ear canal, ruptured eardrums, or other middle or inner ear afflictions.
Hearing Issues and Emotional Health
Aside from the medical aspects of losing hearing, the condition can also cause emotional trauma in senior citizens. who feel cut off and isolated without effective communication. Many senior citizens are to ashamed to admit that they are losing their hearing, and try to figure out the conversation based upon other context clues. Because they often misunderstand what is being said, they may get angry or defensive. You may also notice that they begin to avoid social situations, turning down invitations, or isolating themselves. In an assisted living environment, this can be particularly damaging, as they need social interaction for otherwise positive emotional growth.
Assisted living professionals understand and recognize the patterns of behavior often associated with hearing loss, and can assist in getting your loved one the assistance they need to treat the condition and resume a normal life.
At A Banyan Residence, we give attentive and compassionate care to your loved one. If you are looking for an assisted living or memory care facility in the Villages, give us a call today for a tour today.
