Hearing loss affects an estimated 65.3% of adults 71 years and older.[1] When you’re a caregiver, your plate is full of things to do. If your loved one falls into that 65.3% of older adults, that plate gets even bigger. Let’s look at a few tips you can employ to care for a loved one with hearing loss safely and effectively.
Attend Hearing Appointments With Your Loved One
When we treat your loved one for hearing loss, usually with hearing aids, we’ll provide them with information on caring for their devices and managing their condition day to day. Attending their appointments with them is your opportunity to ask us questions and learn more about how their hearing aids work. Not only will going to the appointment be beneficial to you, but one study found that it can also increase your loved one’s chance of successful hearing aid adoption.[2]
Build a Communication Plan
Communication changes when you have hearing loss, but the ownership you have over your communication style and the respect you receive during a conversation shouldn’t. Remember that hearing loss impacts the ears; it doesn’t interfere with your loved one’s ability to decide how they communicate. Ask your loved one how you can adjust your communication to help them understand moving forward. A few common tips include:
- Tapping their shoulder to get their attention before talking
- Facing each other while you talk
- Rephrasing yourself or adding context when necessary
- Removing distracting background sounds like the TV or radio
If your loved one has a cognitive or physical disability that prevents them from communicating their preferences, focus on the above tips and remember to be patient and understanding.
Install Visual Alarms
If your loved one lives alone or has profound hearing loss, install visual alarms like flashing smoke alarms or video doorbells to keep them safe when you’re not there.
Don’t Neglect One-On-One Time
When you’re a caregiver for a family member, it’s easy to forget that you have a relationship with them outside the caregiving part. Try to make time for fun activities like dinners at Texas Tradition, movie nights at home or even just a nice conversation that isn’t about their care.
If you have any questions about your loved one’s hearing loss or need to schedule an appointment for them, contact Today’s Hearing today.
[1] Reed, N. S., Garcia-Morales, E. E., Myers, C., et al. (2023). Prevalence of hearing loss and hearing aid use among US Medicare beneficiaries aged 71 years and older. JAMA Network Open, 6(7), e2326320. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.26320
[2] Ellis, B. K., Singh, G., & Launer, S. (2022). Hearing Aid Adoption is Associated with the Type of Significant Other in Attendance at Hearing Care Appointments. Trends in hearing, 26, 23312165221131703. https://doi.org/10.1177/23312165221131703