KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING ABOUT HEARING LOSS WHICH IS LINKED TO DEMENTIA
Can you hear me now? Hearing loss can take a toll on relationships when a loved one, spouse, or parent stubbornly refuses to acknowledge a hearing problem. It is more than annoying when you have to repeat something over and over again, or ask a question 2 or 3 times. Sometimes vanity gets in the way of reality, often it is easier to text than call or converse, in some cases it is fear prevents someone from seeking help. Don’t give up on your loved one though, it has been shown that long term hearing loss can lead to dementia, depression and isolation. The general perception is that hearing loss is a relatively inconsequential part of aging, but experts at Johns Hopkins University suggest that it may play a much more important role in brain health.
Studies have shown that adults with hearing loss are significantly more likely than adults with normal hearing to develop dementia. Fortunately, there's a potential upside. If this connection — shown in several recent and well-regarded studies — holds up, it raises the possibility that treating hearing loss more aggressively could help stave off cognitive decline and dementia.
It’s estimated that 50% of adults aged 75 and older. If you have only been getting a smile or nod when you try having a conversation with a loved one, chances are they have trouble hearing you! While you are trying to get your defensive senior loved one or elderly parent in denial to the audiologist for an exam and fitted for a hearing aid, here’s some advice about how to keep the conversation going:
- Make it a comfortable conversation. Seniors can’t control their hearing loss. A one-on-one conversation in a place with minimal ambient noise has the best chance of success. Make the conversation as private as possible for your loved one. In the home, or as part of a quiet outdoor activity, are the most conducive environments for an honest, direct conversation.
- Discussing the problem before the solution. You may want to get them to a doctor and get hearing aids. But seniors must acknowledge their problem first. Find some common ground, talk calmly about how it makes them feel, and explain why it’s a problem and cause for concern that needs to be addressed. Then you can discuss what to do about it.
- Never talk down to them. Slow your conversation a bit, but don’t downplay your concerns. Hearing loss can be dangerous for obvious reasons. Talk to them like adults, explaining things calmly and clearly in a regular tone of voice. Doing some advance research on make/model/price/ and convenient locations might be helpful so you can recommend an action plan.
- Remember the conversation is just the beginning. There may need to be additional talks. There will likely be doctor visits as well as fittings and adjustments with audiologists. Make sure your loved one knows the support you provide will extend to driving them to office visits. Remember, if asked, to deny “……I’ll look even older with a hearing aid!” Some models are so small and invisible these days, they are not especially evident to the eye.
CONTACT US: Hearing loss is a difficult and embarrassing topic. The key to caring for Seniors and the elderly is respect, kindness, and support. Remind them that hearing loss is a question of safety as much as a determinant of quality of life, and is clearly related to their future good health. If necessary, let Visiting Angels be that neutral third party to bring up the issue of safety and hearing loss as well as provide transportation to the doctor and the hearing aid professional. We can be there when you can’t be, to help and guide your loved one. Your loved one may not thank you just yet, but they will when they can hear you the first time you ask a question!
Till Next Time!
Irv Seldin, JD, President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
This article is not intended as medical, legal, or financial advice.