Do you notice any hearing loss symptoms in your loved ones? Are they turning up the television or is talking on the phone difficult? As we age, some people may experience hearing loss. In this article, we will discuss how to talk to the elderly about hearing loss and hearing aids for seniors.
Discussing Hearing Loss Concerns
Hearing loss occurs over a long period of time. Sometimes hearing loss is subtle and in other cases, it is not so subtle. It is not always an easy conversation to inform someone that they may need their hearing checked. Here are some things you can try to convince someone that it may be time to see an audiologist.
Suggest a hearing screening
Start by suggesting a hearing screening to your parents. Then leave it to the professionals. They may be more likely to convince your loved one to get their hearing tested. Obviously, hearing tests are performed by audiologists. However, hearing tests can also be completed as part of an annual physical.
Be a partner and advocate
It is always a good idea to bring another person along to critical medical appointments. A second set of ears can help you remember what was said by the audiologist. Bringing someone along can be reassuring. You can also encourage other family members regarding how to best communicate with your parents. Do not let your parents’ needs and concerns go unheard. Hearing aids can be expensive and they are not covered by original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans provide hearing aid coverage. Depending on your finances, you may consider helping pay for your parent’s hearing aids. Sometimes the price alone deters people from getting the proper hearing aids.
Be kind and empathetic
Speak kindly when you are informing someone of their hearing loss. Nicely point out your observations. For example, you have to raise your voice for them to hear you, the television volume is uncomfortably loud, the person frequently asks you to repeat yourself, or they misunderstand what is said. It is important not to raise your voice when talking to your loved one so as not to come across as being upset with them. Be sure not to lose sight of your good intentions if the conversation is not going the way you hoped.
Discuss the unfortunate effects of untreated hearing loss
Most people experiencing hearing loss, wait over seven years before visiting a hearing healthcare professional. Untreated hearing loss can coincide with dementia or depression. However, one of the biggest concerns is the decline in someone’s quality of life. The person may not want to participate in events due to noisy environments making it difficult to hear. They may also struggle to engage with other people causing a strain in relationships. Because of this, they may become more isolated and more likely to become depressed. Ask your parents to open up to you about other challenges the hearing loss is causing.
Waiting to treat hearing loss takes longer to adjust
Untreated hearing loss worsens over time. Just like other health problems, the earlier your hearing loss is addressed the better the prognosis. An unused or under-used auditory pathway can change the ability to recognize speech sounds clearly. We need to keep the auditory system and brain stimulated. When the brain becomes accustomed to not fully processing words and sounds, the ability to do so can decline over time.
Hearing Aids for Seniors
People often notice subtle changes in their hearing around age sixty. Hearing loss can be from age-related anatomical or physiological changes, hormones, genetic predispositions, certain diseases, ototoxic medications, and noise exposure throughout a person’s life. Hearing loss is unique to each individual.
Hearing aids are the leading treatment for hearing loss in seniors. There are many hearing aid options on the market today. They have varying styles, shapes, and technology. Finding hearing aids for seniors generally begins with speaking to an audiologist and having a full hearing test. Hearing aids for seniors are effective, comfortable, convenient, and tailored to your hearing.
Audien Hearing
Hearing aids are an investment but a good one. Each individual has a budget that they must stick to. Audien Hearing sells the best budget-friendly, rechargeable hearing aids. These hearing aids are virtually invisible in-ear hearing aids. They also have a 45-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty. Audien hearing aids are $99 per pair.
Jabra Enhance
Jabra Enhance hearing aids are Bluetooth-connected hearing aids with advanced technology and 360-degree sound. They have a 100-day free trial. Jabra Enhance offers an easy-to-use app where you can connect to an audiologist. They also have video chat support with hearing specialists. Jabra Enhance hearing aids start from $39 per month with financing.
Eargo
Eargo hearing aids is an innovative hearing aid seller with lifetime customer support. Eargo has a user-friendly app for reconfiguring settings. They sell the tiniest rechargeable hearing aids on the market. The hearing aids start from $67 per month.
MD Hearing
MD Hearing are doctor-designed medical-grade hearing aids for less. They are in-the-ear and behind-the-ear hearing aids. The hearing aids are water-resistant and rechargeable. MD Hearing aids start at $297.
Lexie
Lexie hearing aids are customizable Bluetooth hearing aids with remote expert care. They are a behind-the-ear option for all-day comfort. Lexie hearing aids are environment and volume adjustable. The hearing aids start at $42 per month.
Oticon
Oticon hearing aids are a life-changing technology to give you your hearing back. All of their devices utilize rechargeable batteries. Oticon hearing aids are made for every level of hearing loss. These hearing aids are spendy at $2,600 per pair.
Phonak
Phonak hearing aids simplify your life with Bluetooth-connected hearing solutions. The hearing aids can be controlled remotely with an app. Phonak hearing aids come with a wireless charging kit. The devices start at $119 per month.
Hear.com
Hear.com is the largest online provider of medical-grade hearing aids. They have award-winning customer service. The hearing aids are nearly invisible, Bluetooth, and rechargeable. Hear.com has over 100 hearing aids for $139 per month.
Finally, talking to your parents about getting their hearing tested can be done out of love and concern. Better hearing will benefit your parents’ mental health and social life. Also, addressing hearing loss and treating it will improve your parents’ quality of life.