Age-related hearing loss is the slow loss of hearing that occurs as people get older. The hearing loss can affect life in many ways. The hearing impaired person may miss out on talks with friends and family. On the telephone, the person may find it hard to hear what the caller is saying.
Sometimes hearing problems can make someone feel embarrassed, upset, and lonely. It's easy to withdraw when they can't follow a conversation at the dinner table or in a restaurant. It's also easy for friends and family to think that someone is confused, uncaring, or difficult, when the problem may be that the person just can't hear well.
Many patients we care for in hospice are hard of hearing. Caring for a person who is hearing impaired requires awareness and patience. It's important to ensure caregivers are communicating with the person.
Often a soft, reassuring touch to get the person's attention before you begin speaking will help. Ensuring the room is quiet and free from outside noises such as television, radio, or multiple people speaking all at once will also be helpful.
If a person has severe hearing loss, it might mean putting comments and questions in writing, or getting very close to the patient's ear before speaking. A person whose first language is American Sign Language will require an interpreter.
You can imagine the fear a person feels when they don't know what you're doing to them or what you're saying. Being aware that hearing loss exists and is a fact of life for many people is extremely important. Awareness is the first step to caring for the patient properly.
Tucson has many resources for people who are experiencing hearing loss. One of the best local resources is Adult Loss of Hearing Association (ALOHA). Check out their link below.