How Our Care Services Can Help Seniors with Hearing Loss During COVID
Hearing loss affects many people as they get older. Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 suffer from hearing loss, according to recent research. COVID-19 certainly has not helped with the issue either. While individuals are practicing social distancing, it can be difficult for seniors with hearing loss to communicate while standing the appropriate distance away. In many cases, this makes it difficult for seniors to communicate with friends, family, and everyone else.
Visiting Angels Offers Care Services and Strategies to Help Seniors in Auburn, Manchester, Concord, Derry and Nearby Areas Manage Their Hearing Loss During a Pandemic
While communication may be difficult throughout COVID-19 for those with hearing loss there are some effective strategies we can employ to help better communicate during these trying times.
Senior Hearing Loss and Face Masks
One of the biggest issues of communicating through masks is being unable to observe the mouth as it moves, which often helps us piece together unclear words or phrases.
A study published in the Hearing Review tested masks which the public has frequently adopted and found they all cause significant speech quality degradation. The study claims masks act as sound filters and “degrade speech to the point of unintelligibility” for those who have typical hearing loss. Masks also block the higher-pitched tones that allow sounds to be distinguished.
Tips for Speaking Through Masks
The authors of the Hearing Review study offered the following list to help make life easier and safer for the elderly with hearing loss:
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Reduce all background noise and get the attention of your listener
- Do not shout
- Use body language when possible
- Make sure hearing aid wearers are wearing their devices and that they work
- If remarks are not understood, rephrase them rather than repeating them
Tips for Seniors with Hearing Loss
Many seniors have complained of difficulty wearing masks because it limits their speech, comprehension and may even dislodge their hearing aids and make it more difficult to communicate with the world around them. Especially in a fast-paced and noisy environment such as a hospital where patients need to be able to communicate and follow strict directions of their physician.
The following tips can help seniors wear their masks correctly and safely to avoid problems during the pandemic:
- Use mask extenders or loops to secure masks instead of ear loops
- Remove masks slowly to keep hearing aids in place
- Encourage others to use good speaking habits
- Face others and ask them to take turns when speaking
- Be willing to state you have hearing difficulties
How We Can Help
Visiting Angels of Auburn provides customized and personal care services that are tailor-fit to the specific needs of your loved ones. Our care services include both physical assistance with bathing, clothing or help running errands along with emotional services such as compassionate companionship and conversation. If you have a loved one who is struggling to communicate with the outside world, then reach out to Visiting Angels of Auburn today!
Schedule your FREE, In-Home Assessment Today
If you have an aging loved one in Auburn, Manchester, Concord, Derry, or the surrounding area that is struggling with hearing loss during the pandemic contact Visiting Angels of Auburn today at 603-483-8999. We will be happy to go over our home care services, any questions you may have, and schedule a free, in-home assessment with your family.