HAVE you ever noticed changes in your elderly loved ones, when they suddenly transformed from being a happy, sociable person to someone who now prefers not to be with people? Perhaps they seem somewhat more withdrawn?
You may feel that nothing much at home has changed — neither routines nor environment have altered. Yet, your loved one is different. People who can't hear very well, or have considerably lost their hearing, may become depressed or less sociable because they feel frustrated or embarrassed because they cannot hear and understand what is being said.
Sometimes they're too proud to admit that their hearing is no longer what it used to be. This situation is very similar to our ailing elderly loved ones refusing to use the wheelchair when walking long distances like in the airport or even shopping malls.
They feel too embarrassed or are ashamed of requiring such help because, once upon a time, they were healthy and able. This sudden change makes them feel old and handicapped. For some, this shift in needs and assistance is a bitter pill to swallow.
Unfortunately, people who don't hear well are sometimes mistakenly thought to be confused, unresponsive, or even uncooperative. Worse still, there are people who'd simply and cruelly label old people as senile or suffering from the onset of dementia when that's not the case at all. These circumstances can lead to social isolation and loneliness.
Some people can joke about other people going hard of hearing. Certainly, there'd be funny moments when what you say is different from what that person hears. These make great material for comedies.
DEALING WITH HEARING LOSS
A good sense of humour certainly helps you through difficult days. But in between those moments, there'd be frustrations and impatience too — for both the sufferer and the caregiver.
How often have you been asked to repeat yourself? And when you do, and you say it more loudly than the first time, that person would get annoyed with you and ask why you're shouting at him.
So, when should you bring your loved one to the doctor to have them examined? It's when they begin to misunderstand words much too frequently; have trouble following conversations; turn up the volume of television so loud that others complain; avoid parties and gatherings because of hearing problems; don't answer phones or doorbells; and don't respond to conversations.
Sometimes, the problem is something as simple as built-up earwax that causes muffled hearing. Removing the wax can immediately help them hear things clearly.
For others, however, the problem could be caused by certain medicines, illness, infection, head injuries, hereditary conditions, and/or exposure to extremely loud noises over a long time. For the most part, hearing loss is the result of age-related changes in the ears.
SOLUTIONS TO CONSIDER
There are different types of solutions to this — whether it's wearing a hearing aid or getting a cochlear implant. These are times of trials and errors. As a caregiver, you should persuade your loved one who has challenged hearing to keep on trying.
Seek professional advice and get the right diagnosis. The experts in this field are called otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) or an audiologist — someone who can identify and measure hearing loss.
Today's technology is marvellous if you find the right doctor with the perfect solution. Hearing aids have gone really small and are highly sophisticated. You should find the right type that fits. They can amplify sounds, provide alerts and help you communicate with others.
When they find a solution that restores their hearing, you'd find them quite a changed person. Their expression at being able to hear and "rejoin the world" is priceless! It's truly like a whole new world!
LEND THEM YOUR EARS
In the meantime, some of the things to bear in mind when speaking to someone with hearing problems would be to talk face-to-face.
Don't turn your face away when you speak. Seeing your facial expressions and how your mouth moves will help them to understand what you're saying.
Don't raise your voice because not only does it hurt, it's also disrespectful and offensive. Slight amplification may be necessary. Just don't shout if you have to repeat. Instead, change the words you use.
Avoid mumbling or talking with your mouth full — and this includes chewing gum. This somehow distorts the sound they hear. Be aware of background noises when you're trying to have a conversation with them.
Loud music or other conversation in the background makes it difficult for them to hear what you're saying.
Addressing hearing loss may reduce the risk of falls and accidents, especially when walking outside or driving. It certainly helps a person maintain their independence.
You just need to be patient with them as they navigate through these challenging times. Stay positive and relaxed because they're already frustrated by their condition.
(The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.)
Putri Juneita Johari volunteers for the Special Community Society of Ampang. She can be reached at [email protected].
