In this monthly column, audiologists from Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic offer “Sound Advice” on issues affecting hearing and hearing health.
Q: My parents are both in their late 80s and still living at home on their own. Many times, I find them sitting in the dark family room in silence. It really concerns me. They both have hearing loss and wear hearing aids, and I imagine them being cut off and isolated from the real world. Would you mind speaking on this topic this month?
A: This is a common concern of many family members. Imagine being cut off from communicating with your family. The elderly sometimes find less to talk about, and those with hearing loss often watch conversation happen around them but don’t really participate, at least not like they used to. They may start wanting to stay home rather than go to an event to avoid becoming frustrated.
Unfortunately, seniors struggle everyday with the implications of hearing loss. According to Healthy Hearing, about 25% of those age 65 to 74 and up to 50% of those age 75 and older may experience significant hearing loss. The concern is that the majority of those with hearing loss don’t use hearing aids. As a matter of fact, studies show that fewer than one out of three people over the age of 70 who need hearing aids has actually used them.
Because of your parents age, they may have other sensory deficits, and the addition of hearing loss will cut them off from family and friends. Potential problems you should be aware of include:
• Depression
• Withdrawal from social life
• Loneliness
• Anger
• Decreased personal safety
• Cognitive decline
• Poor health.
If the hearing loss is untreated or not treated properly, it may affect the quality of their life in comparison to those who don’t have a hearing loss. Emotional status is a significant concern and should be monitored along with depression, anger, and their frustration level. It’s not always easy for the elderly to get a handle on these negative emotions, which can really affect their lives. Those who are experiencing age-related hearing loss quite often find that their family relationships suffer due to their inability to hear adequately or fully participate in conversations.
A person with hearing loss might be irritable and lash out at their loved ones out of frustration. Blaming others for mumbling or speaking too softly is common for those with age-related hearing loss, as are arguments over the volume of the TV or radio.
So, you see, your parents are really going through normal stages of coping with hearing loss. Your job is to encourage them to learn to cope with their hearing loss in a healthy manner. Encourage family events and outings where background noise is limited to ease their ability to hear, understand, and follow conversations.
If you need any guidance, we are always available to help you at Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic.
Randa Mansour-Shousher, AuD, CCC-A, is a Doctor of Audiology with Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic, located at 1125 Hospital Dr., Suite 50 in Toledo (419-383-4012) and 1601 Brigham Dr., Suite 160 in Perrysburg (419-873-4327)
