Learn the Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss

Author

Home Instead

Posted on

Jul 09, 2021

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

Share This
For more information on the author Home Instead Sarasota, CLICK HERE.
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is the loss of hearing that gradually occurs in most of us as we grow older. It is one of the most common conditions affecting older and elderly adults.

I've noticed that an aging family member is less likely to engage in conversation if there is a large group at the table, said Home Instead Gerontologist and Caregiver Advocate Lakelyn Hogan, PhD. I make a point to talk directly to her. Its helpful. Ive noticed if there are a lot of kids around she will leave the room and go to a quieter area of the house. It seems to be sensory overload.
Impact of Hearing Loss:

Approximately one in three people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.
Having trouble hearing can make it hard to understand and follow a doctors advice, respond to warnings, and hear phones, doorbells, and smoke alarms.

There are many causes of age-related hearing loss. Most commonly, it arises from changes in the inner ear as we age, but it can also result from changes in the middle ear, or from complex changes along the nerve pathways from the ear to the brain. Certain medical conditions and medications may also play a role.
The risks of Hearing Loss:
If left untreated, hearing loss can have other negative social and health impacts that go beyond the hearing impairment itself and include reduced quality of life and well-being, according to Hear Net Online:

Potential health impacts from hearing loss can include headaches, muscle tension, and increased stress and blood pressure levels.
Some studies have linked untreated hearing loss in adults to depression, fatigue, social withdrawal and impaired memory.

Practical tips for hearing loss:
Wear ear plugs and head phones for sounds; watch weight, blood pressure and blood sugar levels; and have ears checked for wax build up, explained Hogan.
Following these tips from the National Institute on Aging can also help:

Ask people to face you and to speak more slowly and clearly. Also, ask them to speak louder without shouting.
Pay attention to what is being said and to facial expressions or gestures.
Let the person talking know if you do not understand what he or she said.
Find a good location to listen. Place yourself between the speaker and sources of noise and look for quieter places to talk.

Solutions for hearing loss:
There is hope on the horizon for hearing loss. Research has revealed benefits of low-level laser to potentially help heal cochlear hairs and even improve tinnitus. Advances also are being made in hearing aids.
Resources for those with hearing loss:
Consider seeing A ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT), depending on the cause and severity of hearing loss. Otolaryngologists are physicians who typically treat profound hearing loss where surgery or cochlear implants are required.
Help at home also can be a boost. Home Instead CAREGiver SM Tracy deals with difficult situations in compassionate and common-sense ways, and draws on the ongoing Home Instead training she receives. Communication and patience are key, and there are usually a lot of smiles and laughter but no pressure. Sometimes all the client needs is a hug, Tracy explained. One client was deaf and non-verbal because of a stroke. At first, Tracy said, I wondered how I could communicate with him. He reads lips, and I know a little sign language. We don't need to talk to have fun. His smile warmed my heart. He was precious.




Other Articles You May Like

HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX Shines Our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!

This month, we shine our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!Jerry is a senior living professional with over 35 years of sales, marketing, operations, and management experience. He is a servant-driven leader focused on helping his clients live their best lives by understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations.Jerry most recently worked in Senior Living as a Community Sales Director and Executive Director for many years before joining HomeWell Care Services in June of 2022 as the Community Relations Manager serving the North Dallas area.His responsibilities include creating positive brand awareness, networking with professional organizations, building relationships with senior living communities, churches, rehabilitation centers, adult senior centers, hospitals, and more that will result in long-lasting community partnerships, and keeping our home care services top of mind within the community we serve.Thank you, Jerry, for being an amazing professional. You are an asset to our companys continuing growth and make a difference in the lives of your clients and HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX! If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX today!Call (469) 596-6500HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.

Spotlight: March 2024 Newsletter - Celebrating Our Caregiver of the Year Nomination

Greetings,In our last bi-monthly newsletter, I mentioned we had nominated one of our caregivers Jane, as the Caregiver of the Year for Visiting Angels nationwide. We were notified at the end of January, she was selected to move onto Round 2 of nominations! This round, we must submit video testimonials about Jane from the client, family members, office staff, and our owner Karen. By the time you read this, we will have submitted the video testimonials and will hear back by March 21st if Jane is a semi-finalist for this prestigious award. The winner of this years Caregiver of the Year award will be announced at the Visiting Angels 26th Annual Conference being held in June and will receive $5,000. There are many team members deserving of consideration for Caregiver of the Year, yet Janes exceptional qualities really stand out. Id like to share an excerpt from the written nominations highlighting Janes contribution.Jane has worked with our team for almost three years. She is dedicated to her work and committed to her clients. She is always on time and never calls out, no matter the weather conditions. The dignity of those in her care is a top priority for Jane while maintaining a positive attitude. Shes willing to go-with-the-flow in any circumstance. For example, when her client resists wearing oxygen and doesnt remember why they need to wear it, Jane knows how to navigate the situation with grace and patience. On the other hand, she holds her ground with difficult clients, and even though it may be uncomfortable, she handles it with respect and kindness.Nominating a caregiver of the year is not just a process, its an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary dedication and compassion of someone whose role is to serve others. Being a part of this journey of recognition has been rewarding because it highlights the invaluable contributions of caregivers nationwide and the importance of acknowledging their efforts. Its been a reminder of the power of appreciation and the significance of recognizing individuals who demonstrate excellence in their work. Im pleased to be a part of a nationally known and locally owned company, like Visiting Angels, who understands the importance and joy of recognizing others. In the end, nominating a caregiver is about acknowledging the countless acts of kindness and the immeasurable impact caregivers have on the lives of others. Whether or not Jane wins nationwide, she is our Visiting Angels of Medford, MA Caregiver of the Year 2023, and that is something to celebrate! I look forward to giving you another update regarding the award in May. All for now,Abby

Perfect Storm: Home Care and Assisted Living Face Headwinds as Adult Day Soars

The landscape of senior care is bracing for a storm. Over the next five years, the sectors of home care and assisted living will face severe headwinds, each for reasons as varied as they are challenging. These obstacles have the potential to reshape the industry and open up opportunities for alternative models like adult day services to thrive.Lets delve into the converging fronts that are forming this perfect storm.Home Care: A Perfect Storm BrewingThe home care industry, which has long stood as a bastion of personalized elderly care, is facing a staffing crisis. This challenge is not merely a forecast but a present reality. A significant driver of this shortage is the tightening of immigration policies.Historically, the home care workforce has been bolstered by immigrants, who often fill these vital roles. However, restrictive immigration laws are rapidly reducing this labor pool, leaving agencies scrambling to find caregivers.In addition, the home care model itself is inherently inefficient and expensive due to its one-on-one nature. While personalized care is highly beneficial for the recipient, its also labor-intensive and does not scale economically.As the costs of providing services rise, so too does the price for consumers, which is exacerbated by the current inflationary environment. Consequently, home care is becoming less accessible for the average family, with costs soaring beyond the reach of many.Assisted Living: The Constraining Grip of EconomicsOn the other side of the spectrum, assisted living facilities, which offer a middle ground between independence and nursing homes, are also in turmoil. New development, which has been the lifeblood of the industrys growth, is coming to a halt.This stagnation is attributed to inflationary pressures, which increase the cost of construction materials and labor, squeezing the margins of developers.Moreover, the rise in interest rates, as a measure to combat inflation, has a two-fold effect: it makes borrowing more expensive for new developments and acquisitions, and it decreases the affordability of these facilities for consumers.With higher costs to finance the development of new facilities, the prices are passed along to residents, many of whom are on fixed incomes and may not be able to afford increased costs.Adult Day Services: The Emerging ContenderIn the wake of these industry hardships, adult day services are positioned to disrupt the status quo. These services offer a compelling model that provides social interaction, care, and supervision during the day, allowing seniors to return to their homes in the evening.This model addresses several pain points of the current care options.Firstly, adult day services are more cost-effective. They do not require around-the-clock staffing or the high overhead associated with maintaining full residential facilities.Secondly, they are less labor-intensive on a per capita basis, mitigating the severity of the staffing crisis facing home care.Furthermore, adult day services can be an attractive option for seniors and their families who are seeking community engagement and medical oversight without relinquishing the comfort of home.The flexibility and lower costs can appeal to a broad range of seniors, making these services a growth sector in an otherwise constrained industry.Charting a New CourseAs the tides rise against home care and assisted living, innovative care models like adult day services may offer a safe harbor for the industry. By providing a more economical and scalable solution, they could potentially address the needs of a growing senior population amid the financial and logistical constraints facing other care options.Stakeholders in the senior care industry must navigate these headwinds with foresight and agility. Those who can adapt and diversify their offerings to include models like adult day services will likely weather the storm ahead.For families, these changes will require a careful consideration of the evolving landscape to make the best decisions for their loved ones.As the clouds gather, it is clear that the industry must prepare for change.The next five years will undoubtedly bring transformation, and within it, the opportunity to reimagine the future of senior care.

Local Services By This Author

Home Instead

Non-Medical 11181 Health Park Blvd., Ste. 3060, Naples, Florida, 34110

Home Instead can help with compassionate, senior home care services. Non-medical home care focuses on helping seniors with the daily activities they need to engage in to remain safe and healthy. Many seniors need help to get their day started with preparing breakfast and reminding to take their medications. Likewise, help before bedtime, or even overnight, can be an important safety precation for seniors at home who often are more apprehensive at nighttime. One of the most important needs of a senior who lives alone is often simple companionship. The companionship component of a professional caregiver's job can be just as vital as the physical assistance a professional will provide.

Home Instead

Home Health 11181 Health Park Blvd., Ste. 3060, Naples, Florida, 34110

Home Instead  can help with compassionate, senior home care services. Non-medical home care focuses on helping seniors with the daily activities they need to engage in to remain safe and healthy. Many seniors need help to get their day started with preparing breakfast and reminding to take their medications. Likewise, help before bedtime, or even overnight, can be an important safety precaution for seniors at home who often are more apprehensive at nighttime. One of the most important needs of a senior who lives alone is often simple companionship. The companionship component of a professional caregiver's job can be just as vital as the physical assistance a professional will provide.