By Janet D’Agostino, MA, MSN, RN Clinical Supervisor
For most people, hearing loss is a normal process that happens as we age, but for some others, it can result from loud noise exposure, illness, or injury.
Hearing loss due to aging can be so gradual that we often don’t notice that our hearing is deteriorating. Some people don’t realize there is a problem until someone in their family complains that they are ignoring them as they speak. The family may complain that they are playing the TV or radio too loudly.
Other times, the person themselves gets irritated because they believe their family is whispering to them when they are speaking in a normal tone of voice. If you find this is happening to you, don’t be ashamed to admit it; there is help for you!
There are many ways to assist you in a better life, such as hearing clearly what others say. First, see your doctor and ascertain if the hearing loss is related to wax buildup. If that is the case, the doctor can clean your ears, and your hearing will improve immediately. If you find that wax is not the issue, consult a hearing specialist (a doctor of audiology) to have your hearing evaluated professionally. They utilize numerous diagnostic tests to assess the problem and how best to manage it.
If you are recommended to be fitted with a good hearing aid, your life will change for the better. Today’s hearing aids are so small that no one needs to see them or know they are there. They are made specifically for you alone and “tuned” to focus on the frequencies that are an issue for you.
Ignoring your hearing loss can be detrimental to you. Besides losing out on what is happening around you, you are five times more likely to have cognitive decline than if you treated your hearing loss when it became apparent that there was a concern.
Adverse situations happen more often to people with hearing loss because, for example, they cannot hear an emergency vehicle, someone breaking into their home, an injured grandchild or animal, or someone telling them to look out for an object that is in their way.
If you know someone with hearing loss, the following steps will help immensely: They will make communication easier and reduce isolation.
- Eliminate background noise. Turn off the TV or radio when listening to others.
- Face the person you speak with, establish direct eye contact, and try to enunciate clearly.
- Don’t shout at the person you are speaking with. Use a normal tone of voice, and don’t speak quickly.
- Don’t try speaking to that individual from across the room or from another room.
Protecting yourself from hearing loss or having it deteriorate involves some simple steps.
- Use protective ear gear when operating loud machinery (lawn mower, drill, at a concert, movie, etc.)
- Turn down the volume of the TV, radio, or music.
- Use earplugs.
- Avoid situations where prolonged exposure to loud noises is the usual.
The government also has ways to assist you with your diminished hearing. For example, there are phones you can ask for that show a caller’s words on the phone as they say them. Take advantage of a conversation with a friend, family member, or a doctor’s office. This is a free service. All you need to do is call your local government for assistance.
Being unable to hear is a barrier that does not have to be a burden. Address the issue as soon as possible; you may hear the birds singing outside again.
If you or someone you care about needs additional support to help cope, The Option Group is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact our professional care management team for assistance.
About The Option Group: Founded in 2010, The Option Group’s compassionate team of experienced Certified Life Care Managers and Educational Advocates provides services for families, their loved ones, medical professionals, and professional family advisors in Maryland, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The firm understands the challenges of caring for individuals who need assistance throughout their lifespan due to aging, dementia, disability, or serious illness. Our skilled providers possess over 100 years of combined experience navigating the healthcare maze and accessing hundreds of resources. The Option Group helps families spend quality time with their loved ones, providing clear choices that lead to better care. For more information, visit www.theoptiongroup.net or call 410-667-0266 (MD) or 717-287-9900 / 610-885-8899/ 215-896-6756 (PA)or 302-858-6449 (DE). For Minor & Young Adult Life Care Management or Educational Services, call Mary Jo Siebert at 410-967-0122 or 443-318-4244.
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