It can be frustrating to try to communicate with an older adult who has hearing loss.
For one thing, yelling to be heard is no fun. That can be further complicated by the senior being frustrated that they cannot hear and asking you repeatedly to speak up. Yet, when adult children who act as family caregivers suggest that their aging parents get hearing aids, it’s not always received well. Instead of arguing about getting hearing aids, it may be helpful to share with your parent these 5 reasons to get a hearing aid.
#1: Hearing Aids Make Enjoying Music Possible
If you’ve noticed that your elderly parent has stopped turning on the radio or no longer wants to go to musical performances, it could be because they can’t hear the music. Caregivers may want to remind seniors that a hearing aid can help them to enjoy music again. In addition, they can enjoy it without having to turn the radio up so high that it is annoying to others.
#2: Hearing Aids Are Practically Invisible
Many older adults don’t want hearing aids because they worry about how they’ll look or being identified as someone with a disability. Advances in technology have resulted in hearing aids getting smaller and smaller. Now, they are practically invisible.
#3: Hearing Aids Make Communicating Easier
Some family caregivers are frustrated by the difficulty of communicating with an older adult who cannot hear them. If that’s the case for you, you can be fairly certain the older adult finds communication frustrating, too. Remind the older adult that they’ll be able to hear better, which makes it possible for them to join in on family conversations again.
#4: Hearing Aids Can Make Them Feel Better
Being able to hear can improve the older adult’s self-esteem and make them happier. Not being able to engage with others in a social setting may cause them to avoid other people and lead to loneliness. Once they have a hearing aid, they can enjoy going to gatherings and events again.
#5: Hearing Aids Can Allow Them to Hear a Grandchild Giggle
Older adults with hearing loss may have a hard time interacting with younger family members, like grandchildren. As a result, they miss out on the fun of playing with them and listening to their delighted chatter and giggles. They may also miss school concerts and plays because they cannot hear them. Hearing aids can change all that, leading to a stronger relationship between your parent and their grandchildren.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elder Care in Burbank, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Help. Serving All of Los Angeles County. Call Us Today (888) 989-7388
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