Hearing loss is a common issue that affects many individuals as they age. The severity can range from mild to profound and can significantly impact an elderly person’s quality of life. Hearing loss may be hereditary, but it can also result from diseases or the side effects of certain medications.
Often called an “invisible handicap,” hearing loss can profoundly affect your elderly relative’s day-to-day experiences, leading to frustration, isolation, and a decline in overall well-being. Addressing this issue with empathy and appropriate support can significantly improve their quality of life.
Types of hearing loss
Hearing loss in the elderly can manifest in many forms, each with its own causes and treatments. Understanding these types is crucial for managing and living well with hearing loss:
Sensorineural hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, and unfortunately, this type of hearing loss is permanent. It is often caused by factors such as ageing, exposure to loud noises, infections, injuries, and even certain medications.
Conductive hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss happens when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear due to blockages or damage to the outer or middle ear. This type of hearing loss is typically treatable. Common causes include earwax buildup, ear infections, or eardrum damage.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is the most prevalent type among the elderly. This condition primarily results from the natural ageing process but can be exacerbated by exposure to loud noises, infections, injuries, and some prescription medications.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is another common issue in the elderly, characterised by ringing, buzzing, or roaring sounds in the ears. It is a symptom rather than a disease and can indicate other health problems, such as heart conditions, so it should never be ignored.
If your elderly relative experiences any changes in their hearing or shows signs of diminished hearing ability, it is important to consult with a GP. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly enhance their quality of life and overall well-being.
What are the signs of hearing loss in the elderly?
Recognising the signs of hearing loss in the elderly is crucial for early intervention and effective management. Here are some common indicators that an older adult might be experiencing hearing loss:
Difficulty Hearing Conversations
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves, especially in noisy environments.
- Mixing up words or responding inappropriately due to mishearing.
- Family members or friends may notice that the individual often has difficulty hearing.
Increased volume needs
- Constantly needing to increase the volume on the television or radio to levels that others find too loud.
- Speaking louder than necessary because they cannot hear their own voice well.
Withdrawal from social situations
- Reluctance to attend social events or gatherings where hearing may be difficult.
- Choosing to spend more time alone due to frustration or embarrassment about not being able to hear well.
Physical signs
- Experiencing ringing, buzzing, or roaring sounds in the ears.
- Difficulty with balance or frequent falls, as hearing and balance are interconnected.
- Hearing loss can sometimes be mistaken for memory problems because the individual might not hear and retain information accurately.
If your elderly relative exhibits any of these signs, it is important to consult with a GP. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve their quality of life and prevent further complications from arising.
Treatments for hearing loss
A hearing aid is the most common form of treatment. Hearing aids can make a big difference, even if they do not restore hearing completely. Your relative could get a digital hearing aid on the NHS, and their GP will advise them on this.
However, some people cannot use hearing aids, and in this case other options may be available. These include bone-anchored implants and middle-ear implants. Sometimes a hearing aid does not work well enough for an individual, and in this case a cochlear implant may be an option.
How your relative’s life can be affected by hearing loss
Your relative may struggle in many ways when they suffer from hearing loss. They may not be able to hold a conversation properly on the telephone, or they may not hear the doorbell or alarms. They may not be comfortable in rooms full of people, and they might become frustrated watching the television.
Hearing loss can affect their independence, and this can reduce their quality of life, which is why it is so important to seek treatment.
Many elderly people may be in denial about their hearing loss, and they may even claim that it does not affect their quality of life when it does. As a result, many people delay seeking help for hearing loss, often by many years following a diagnosis as they refuse to accept it.
Communicating with someone that has difficulty hearing
Effective communication with a relative who has hearing loss requires patience and understanding. Here are some tips to improve communication:
- Be patient: Understand that they may need extra time to process what you are saying.
- Speak clearly and slowly: Enunciate your words and speak at a moderate pace.
- Use non-verbal cues: Hand gestures and facial expressions can help convey your message.
- Minimise background noise: Try to communicate in a quiet environment.
- Confirm understanding: Check to ensure they have understood you correctly.
If your relative has a primary carer, it is important to ensure that the care worker is aware of the hearing loss and knows how to communicate effectively with them.
Some great resources for supporting hearing loss
Action On Hearing Loss is an excellent resource for anyone who lives with hearing loss. It provides advice on looking after hearing, when to get a hearing aid, local help resources, and much more.
The NHS also has some good information on hearing impairment that you may want to read over.
Hearing Link is another good resource where you can find lots of useful information.
Back to health
Call us on 0808 239 1525 and our friendly care experts will discuss your care and support needs. You can also fill out our online enquiry form or email info@prestige-nursing.co.uk. We provide impartial guidance and advice so you make the right choice for you and your family.
