Elderly Care: Helping You Deal With the Dying Process
Hearing Trouble 101: Signs That You Need Hearing Aids
Julio Carr
While hearing loss and the use of hearing aids are often thought of as challenges that only the elderly face, the fact is that anyone, at any age, can be affected by hearing loss. Not only does hearing loss develop as a result of age, but it's also something that can be congenital or develop as the result of an injury or illness. As a result, you could find yourself needing hearing aids at virtually any stage of life. Here's a look at some of the signs that you should talk with an audiologist about hearing aids.
Trouble Distinguishing Sounds
One of the earliest indications of hearing problems comes with having trouble distinguishing certain sounds. If you're having trouble telling the difference between certain letter sounds and words, this could be due to hearing trouble. This is especially likely if you notice that those struggles are worsening.
Sensitivity To Certain Noises
Another common indication of hearing problems is sensitivity to certain noises. Whether it's from sounds at a certain decibel or a particular pitch, you might notice that you're suddenly bothered by a specific sound or range of sounds. It could be anything from the dog barking to your phone's ringtone, but a sudden change in how you perceive a sound can be an indication that you're dealing with hearing loss issues.
Increasing Volume On The Television
Have you noticed that you're having to turn the television volume up higher than you did six months ago? When your TV's volume setting just keeps going up and you're still relying on the captions, that's another indication that you're having trouble with your hearing. You may even notice that your loved ones comment about the volume of the television.
Struggling In Restaurants And Public Environments
For those who are struggling with hearing loss and in need of hearing aids, public places are often the most challenging. If you're having a hard time navigating the conversations in a local restaurant or park, or you're struggling to narrow down the specific speaker that you're talking to amidst other noise, that's a common example of hearing problems that could benefit from hearing aids.
If you're struggling to hear the things you're accustomed to hearing, you may be wondering if it's time to pursue hearing aids. Talk with your audiologist or other hearing aid professional today for more help and information about hearing aid options to combat your hearing loss.
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As an elderly care worker, I have witnessed the deaths of many individuals. I have seen family members become angry, sad, and completely silent at the end. I have also seen individuals refuse to see family members out of denial. People deal with death in different ways, and the strong emotions are often unfamiliar and scary. If you have a parent or grandparent who is elderly, then I want to share with you what I know about end of life care and dying process. We are a society that does not talk about death, and this can cause great pain when a family member dies. Learn about the process and find out how to deal with your own emotions and how to love your family members at the end. If there is only a small amount of time left, then I want you to cherish the final moments.