How to Assist Seniors with Hearing Problems?

As we get older, our bodies begin to fail us. One of the first things most people lose is their hearing. Hearing problems are becoming common among young people now, too. This is because of the loud music they listen to through headphones or at concerts. Exposure to excessively loud music can do major damage to the ears. If you are the child or caretaker of an elderly person whose hearing is going, you likely know how stressful it can be for them. This post’s intention is to tell you how you can assist them with their problems, so you can make their life easier.

Buying Hearing Aids

One of the most effective ways of improving a person’s hearing is to buy them hearing aids. Consistent use of aids, which you can buy from a hearing aids store, can improve the quality of your loved one’s life. Make sure you help them set their hearing aids up and adjust them, so they can get used to them. Their doctor or health advisor will be able to help them if you cannot. There are guides you can use online that can simplify the process of buying and using hearing aids for the first time. Source your loved one’s hearing aids from the most reliable and trusted provider you can, so they don’t have to worry about low-quality hearing aids. A good way to determine whether or not a vendor is worth buying hearing aids from is to read their reviews, as their reviews will tell you everything you need to know about them.

Regular Check-ups

In addition to buying your loved one hearing aids, you should also take them to see an audiologist. An audiologist will be able to check your loved one’s ears, inspect them for damage, and advise them on how to use their hearing aids. Make sure you find the most qualified and experienced audiologist you can, so your loved one’s ears get the care and attention they need. Rushing the selection process can lead to you hiring somebody who’s inexperienced and can’t give your loved one the attention they deserve.  

Reduce Noise

If a person has hearing problems, one of the main things you need to do is reduce unnecessary background noise. Constantly exposing them to background noise can impede their hearing and make it difficult for them to hear what you are saying to them. With that said, if an elderly loved one has hearing problems and wants to watch television, the volume will of course need to be turned up, or you will need to buy them headphones. Headphones are a great solution because they will hear what’s being said more clearly.

Speak Slowly

When you are talking to somebody who’s unable to hear you, you need to talk slowly. This is so they can understand what you are saying by reading your lips and picking up a few words here and there. If your elderly loved one’s hearing has devolved to the point that they are reading lips, hearing aids are absolutely essential. No person should have to go into old age almost deaf. Modern hearing aid technology can bring people’s hearing back from the brink, so do some research and find the highest quality hearing aids you can.

Good Lighting

If somebody cannot hear, good lighting is important in each and every room that they are in. This is so they can see hazards, instead of hearing them. If, for example, a deaf person is in a dark room and there is a fire, they might not hear the smoke alarm going off. However, if the room they are in is lit and the smoke alarm flashes brightly, they will be able to get themselves out of danger. Good lighting will also prevent an elderly person from tripping over things or animals, i.e., dogs and cats.

Amplified Devices

Finally, try to invest in amplified devices, so your loved one is able to hear their mobile phone, television, or laptop. People rely on technology today, and old people are no exception to this rule. Social media and streaming services are used by everybody. By buying specially amplified devices for your loved one, you will be able to make sure that they enjoy the same content they always have, without their hearing getting in the way. If you cannot buy amplified devices, you can buy a Bluetooth speaker for them or a pair of headphones, so they can hear.

If you live with a senior or are the carer of one, you need to do everything you can to improve their quality of life. One way of doing this is by improving how they hear. Improving a person’s hearing can make them feel a lot happier, and much more comfortable, so help your loved one with their hearing.