8 Signs An Elderly Loved One Needs A Hearing Aid

From social isolation to excessive television volume, find out about some tell-tale signs of hearing loss in the elderly population.

Hearing loss is common in the elderly population, and is considered to be a natural part of the ageing process. But, it can affect the quality of life and have an impact on their dignity. As such, one need not suffer silently simply because they think loss of hearing is inevitable. According to Raja S, an audiologist and founder of Hearzap, it is important to be mindful of and address the problem of hearing loss in elderly people, who may be missing out on social connections as a result of it, leading mentally and emotionally-isolated lives. Read on to know about eight signs and symptoms that you must look at to identify if the elders in your life are suffering from hearing loss.

Frequent Repetition

It is completely normal if you miss a few words occasionally, but when your elder asks you to repeat something multiple times, it could mean they are facing hearing issues.

Inability To Keep Up During Conversations

It may be really hard for an elderly person to keep up with a conversation because of a noisy background, several people speaking at once, or even overlapping conversations. If they appear to be zoned out, confused, or frustrated, it might be a sign of a hearing issue.

Turning The TV Or Radio Volume Up

While it may irritate the rest of the family, watching TV with a high volume may be a sign of hearing difficulty.

Incorrect Response To Questions

Hearing loss makes it difficult to understand people. You may find your loved one giving wrong answers to seemingly-simple questions, or replying with irrelevant things, because they are not able to fully understand what is being said.

Complaints About Ringing In The Ears

One of the most common symptoms of hearing loss is ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus. An elderly person may be suffering from a constant buzzing or ringing sound in their ears, which can be both annoying and disruptive.

Retreating From Social Parties

Many a time, elders avoid social events or gatherings that make them feel uncomfortable with their current hearing issues. If you see a loved one withdrawing from family functions, religious ceremonies, or local community events, know that they may be experiencing hearing difficulties.

Struggling With Phone Conversations

If your ageing loved one frequently has difficulty hearing what people say over the telephone/ask people to speak louder/avoid phone calls, you must get their ears checked and consider giving them a hearing aid.

Isolation Or Depression

When one can no longer clearly communicate, they may feel left out and experience depression, frustration, or a desire to be left alone. Observe when your loved one seems moody, less social, or less interested in things. The cause may very well be hearing loss.