The following information provided by Anne Howell, Garland-based hi HealthInnovations hearing aid professional
Hearing loss affects 48 million Americans and is the third most common chronic condition for older Americans. In fact, 40 percent of individuals over age 65 are hearing impaired. As we celebrate our dads this month, it can be a great opportunity to talk with fathers whose ability to hear is decreasing as it affects not just dad’s quality of life, but that of his entire family.
Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, stress and depression, feelings of loneliness, irritability and anger, reduced alertness and even an increased risk of falls. But the impact is so much bigger than that. For those with loved ones experiencing untreated hearing loss, the effects are real and can have a lasting impact on the most important relationships in their lives.
For adult children with parents experiencing this condition, connecting can be a challenge. When dad has hearing loss, he may avoid phone conversations and social situations, making it hard to maintain feelings of closeness to family members in the course of daily life. And children or grandchildren, with typically higher, softer voices, can be particularly hard to understand, which can lead to frustration or embarrassment.
All of this can lead to feelings of sadness, resentment and exasperation on the part of family members. We all realize that communication is vital to strong family relationships. But while the condition is on the rise, only one out of five people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders.
If you suspect that your dad or grandfather is experiencing hearing loss, it’s time to take action.
Tips to improve communication with loved one who has hearing loss:
Start a conversation. Speak with your dad about the problem and some of the options for treatment. Keep the conversation positive, reminding him that it’s common and that hearing aids are more affordable and discreet than ever. Discuss the advantages of seeking treatment.
Get his attention before you start speaking. This ensures that dad can focus on you and what you’re saying. Don’t yell from another room, for instance.
Don’t change topics without warning. If you start talking about weekend plans and then suddenly launch into an unrelated topic, your dad may have difficulty following the conversation.
Slow down and eliminate background noises. Many of us are guilty of talking too fast. Slow down, speak clearly and pause – it helps! Mute the TV and turn down the radio, too.
Double-check! If you’re relaying vital information, confirm you were understood.
Seek help and ensure safety. If your dad has difficulty using the telephone or cannot hear emergency warning signals visit hearingloss.org to learn more.
Share the responsibility. It is the responsibility of the person who is talking to make it easier by following these tips. It is the responsibility of the person with hearing loss to acknowledge his problem, connect with a hearing loss expert who can help and use technology to improve his hearing.
Learn more about today’s affordable and high-tech aid options at hihealthinnovations.com.
For more information, visit hihealthinnovations.com.