Columbia Aged Care

As people age many refuse to admit to what they perceive as defeat to ageing senses. 

"Despite the fact smaller text is blurry beyond readability these days I will not succumb to getting glasses. My hearing is fine, just because I can not hear the TV unless it is at maximum volume doesn't mean I need a hearing aid."

Unfotunately these tell tale signs are often the indicator that glasses may be the key to improved vision and a hearing aid may be what's required to improve quality of life. It is not a sign of defeat, it is merely the process of ageing but for many it's still hard to accept.

Esther Hansen has written an article that offers some helpful advice on how to identify whether your loved one might require a hearing aid. She also offers tips on how to broach the subject in 'Does an Elderly Person I  Know Need a Hearing Aid?'

You perceive the unmistakable signs. The volume on the TV is turned up well beyond what is comfortable for the average listener. Conversation is often interrupted by the need for repetition: " What did you say?" "Excuse me?" "Would you say that again, please?" Words go unheard that you fail to address directly to the one for whom they are intended.

All of this is quite obvious to the caring relative or caregiver who begins to take note of the signs. It will be quite normal and natural to discuss the matter at once and to want to ACT! Of course you want to help, but is the person you care about ready for this kind of help? Is he/she prepared to accept the reality of a hearing loss?

If the individual is extremely defensive or angry, it may well be best to drop the subject. Simply having brought it up may be enough for the time being. Some other time the elderly person may be more accepting.

Meanwhile, the would-be helper can also consider a few important questions, like these:
·How much do I know about hearing aid services?
·Have I talked with anyone who seems to be at ease with wearing hearing aids? Where did he get them? Does he trust the audiologist? Is regular, free service provided to the hearing aid user?
·Are the costs involved affordable? Are payment plans available if necessary?
·Can the prospective hearing aid user be trusted to take the simple steps needed to care for them and keep them easily available when not in use?

Careful thought about these questions can make it easier to broach the subject a second time. Ongoing resistance, however, is not unusual. If a person is dead set against it, the question of hearing aids had best be forgotten until a change in attitude is apparent.

To read the full article CLICK HERE