Understanding hearing loss and how it can affect social connections
Hearing loss can have significant effects on people as they get older. It's usually caused by damage to the inner ear or nerves, which can result from injury, illness, certain medications, exposure to loud noise, or simply wear and tear.
Many people are unaware of the amount of noise they’re exposed to. If it's loud and frequent enough, it can lead to hearing loss.
How common is hearing loss?
Hearing loss is very common when you get older. According to Hearing Australia, about half the population between 60 and 80 has hearing loss. This increases to over 70% in those after over 70 and 80% of those aged over 80.
It's hard to pick up as hearing deteriorates over time. However, some signs that your loved one may experience hearing loss include:
They often ask you to repeat yourself
They turn up the TV volume loud
They complain of a ringing or buzzing sound in their ears
They often can’t hear in many noisy situations
They don’t notice the doorbell or phone ringing.
What are the impacts of hearing loss?
Hearing loss can affect people in many ways. For those with significant hearing loss, it, can reduce their ability to communicate and may lead to social isolation. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and a decline in overall quality of life.
Aside from its impact on sociability, hearing loss is also associated with a decline in cognitive abilities among older adults. When people can no longer engage in meaningful conversations, their brain misses out on vital stimulation in listening and speaking. If we don't use our brain in these ways, the corresponding pathways can weaken or even disappear.
So what are some ways we can help our parents or other older people in our lives adjust to hearing loss?Acknowledge the hearing loss
It’s important for the person with hearing loss to recognise their condition and communicate it to others. This helps others understand the need to speak clearly and allows for better communication without misunderstandings.
Use hearing-assistive technology
If your loved one has hearing aids, encourage them to wear them consistently. If not, consult a hearing healthcare professional to explore other options. Technology is constantly improving, and there may be solutions that can help.
Plan ahead
If you’re going out with your loved one who has hearing loss, prepare for situations where hearing may be challenging. For example, choose quieter restaurants with better acoustics and sit further away from noisy areas like a band or the kitchen. Planning can help reduce stress and make conversations easier.
Verify understanding
When you’re giving directions or explaining something, make sure your loved one understands by using a phrase like, “Did that make sense?” This will give them a chance to confirm if they didn’t hear something without embarrassment.
Give visual cues
Make sure your loved one can see your face when you’re talking, as your lips and facial expressions are important visual cues. Try not to cover your mouth with your hands or another object like a restaurant menu.
Be patient and positive
It’s essential to be patient with someone who has hearing loss. Hearing loss can be challenging for everyone involved, so it’s important to be positive.
Remember, hearing connects us to our loved ones and allows us to communicate and engage with the world. Protecting our hearing and seeking early intervention, such as using hearing aids, can help preserve our brain function and overall well-being.