Strategies to Help with Hearing Loss During COVID-19 in Gilford, NH
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. 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 their community.
Visiting Angels of Gilford Recommends These Tips to Help Care for Seniors with Hearing Loss During COVID-19
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 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
- Reduce all background noise and get the attention of your listener
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Do not shout
- Use body language where 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 making it more difficult to communicate with the world around them. Especially in a fast-paced and noisy environment such as a hospital where patients be able to communicate and follow strict directions of their physician.
Tips for Seniors
The following tips can help seniors wear their masks correctly and safely to avoid problems during the pandemic:
- Use fabric or plastic 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 Gilford provides customized and personal care for seniors that are tailor-fit to the specific needs of your loved ones. Our care for seniors includes both physical assistance with bathing, dressing, 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 and needs personalized care for seniors, then reach out to Visiting Angels of Gilford today!
Schedule Your FREE, In-Home Assessment Today
Schedule your FREE, in-home assessment today by contacting Visiting Angels of Gilford at 603-366-1993. We will be happy to go over how we can help care for seniors with limited hearing and any other services you may have questions about!