An In-Depth Look at Senior Hearing Loss

Age-related hearing loss affects many seniors. Here’s how to help seniors prevent further hearing loss and cope healthily.

About 1 in 3 adults between 65 and 74 years old experiences hearing loss. Since hearing loss can sometimes be reduced, it’s important for seniors to be aware of their auditory health. (NIDCD)

Difficulty hearing or making out sounds can put seniors at risk of social, health, and safety problems. Here are the hearing loss basics. (NAIA)

The Basics of Hearing Loss

Who experiences hearing loss?

Anyone can experience hearing loss, but it is especially common among older adults. As age increases, the risk of hearing impairment increases as well.

What causes hearing loss?

Damage from noise or certain diseases can cause hearing loss, but so can the simple deterioration that comes with age. Deterioration can be exacerbated by medical conditions like high blood pressure, exposure to noise, and other factors.

Are there different levels of hearing loss?

Age-related hearing loss is often gradual. What may begin as simply needing the TV volume louder can turn into being unable to make out words or sounds.

How can hearing loss be prevented?

Currently, hearing loss can’t be prevented entirely. However, it can be minimized or delayed by protecting against noise and avoiding common conditions (like diabetes) that put you at greater risk of hearing loss.

Is hearing loss dangerous?

Medically, age-related hearing loss is unlikely to cause other health problems. However, being hard of hearing can put you in risky situations, such as making it difficult to hear an alarm or understand important instructions spoken to you. (NIDCD)

HELP SENIORS PREVENT HEARING LOSS

C A R E G I V E R S

Home Care Tip

There are some apps that can be paired with hearing aids to customize options and preferences. Encourage seniors to embrace technology like this to make using hearing aids less frustrating.

Risks Associated With Hearing Loss

Impaired hearing can make it hard for seniors to hear at all, but can also make understanding words clearly difficult. As a result, seniors are at greater risk for:

• Misunderstanding doctor’s instructions
• Mishearing warnings or important statements
• Not hearing fire alarms or other emergency notifications
• Growing isolated due to less confidence in conversations
• Certain health issues, particularly those related to stress or balance

(Hopkins Medicine)

Hearing Loss by the Numbers

• Among adults over 70 with hearing loss, only 1/3 of those who could benefit from hearing aids use them
• Around 28.8 million U.S. adults could use hearing aids for their benefit
• Men under 69 are twice as likely as women of the same age to experience hearing loss
• About 50% of people 75 or older have impaired hearing

(NIDCD)

What to Do If You Think You Have Hearing Loss

Signs of hearing loss include:

• Not being able to make sounds out against background noise
• Difficulty understanding words or sounds, especially consonants
• Withdrawal from conversations or avoidance of socializing
• Regularly turning up the volume
• Muffling of typically clear sounds including speech

If you have symptoms of hearing loss, see a doctor as soon as possible. A simple hearing test can lead to a diagnosis. Through the use of a hearing aid (or possibly with the help of surgery or implant), your hearing loss may be minimized.

(Mayo Clinic)

Top Tips for Traveling with Seniors

For seniors, travel can be especially challenging or risky. Use these tips to make senior travel fun and safe.

As adults age, their family members tend to act as long-distance caregivers. The average distance a long-distance caregiver lives from a senior is 450 miles. That means if seniors travel to see their loved ones, they often go a long way. (Caregiver.org)

It’s common for seniors to have some trouble getting around like they used to. So, it’s not surprising that long-distance travel can be a real challenge. Here’s how to make travel safer and more comfortable for aging adults.

Options for Travel for Seniors

Although seniors can travel by plane, train, or car, each option has pros and cons.

Traveling by Plane

Pros:

• A fast form of travel
• Can earn loyalty program points
• Often accommodates disabilities

Cons:

• Airports can be overwhelming
• Might be expensive
• Some are afraid of flying

Traveling by Train

Pros:

• Access to many locations
• Passes by moderately fast
• May allow for socializing

Cons:

• Routes can be inconvenient or confusing
• Limited options for stops and pricing
• Limited accessibility for those with disabilities

Traveling by Car

Pros:

• Control over routes/stops
• Can add cushions/supports for comfort
• Often most affordable

Cons:

• Can take a long time
• A possibility of getting lost
• Driving alone may not be safe

(AARP)

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH SENIORS

C A R E G I V E R S – Tips for Traveling with Seniors

How Seniors Can Travel with Ease

For safe, comfortable, and fun travel experiences, seniors can use the following tips:

Prepare Ahead of Time

• Practice using a map app, write down directions
• Contact airports or train stations to learn about available assistance options
• Pack vital items in a carry-on or easily accessible bag in case of emergency or change of plans
• Research parking options (get a disability tag if necessary)
• Consult a doctor about plans if travel is a concern for medical reasons
• Know where medical facilities are located at travel destination

Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask other people for help while traveling. Try to ask people who work wherever you are (in a hotel, airport, etc) for safety reasons. Never offer strangers more details than necessary when asking for help.

Bring Someone / Share With Loved Ones

• Find a friend or relative to travel with
• Inquire about traveling caregivers if assistance will be needed
• Share your location on your phone, as well as copies of your itinerary, with loved ones

(Better Health Channel)

A Senior’s “Bonus” Packing List

Although some of these items may be on most adults’ packing lists, they tend to be extra important for seniors to ensure their safety and comfort:

• Medications/supplements
• Support pillows or cushions
• Ambulatory/medical devices
• Hearing aid batteries
• Doctor list/medical alert information
• Compression socks
• Dentures holder/cleaner

(USA Today)

Why Most Seniors Travel

• See family/friends
• Multigenerational vacations
• Medical specialist appointments
• Complete “bucket list” goals
• Hosted or group tourist outings

(Senior Living)

Home Care Tip

Seniors may have difficulty estimating their need for downtime or rest while traveling. Encourage them to make plans that can be flexible so they can enjoy their time away.

References:

• ClearCare Online
• Caregiver.org
• AARP Travel Trends
• Better Health Channel
• USA Today: Travel Tips for the Elderly
• Senior Living Research

Tips for Helping Homebound Seniors Stay Active

Seniors who are homebound face extra challenges. Loneliness, lack of physical activity, and more can become problems. Help seniors stay active.

Being homebound as a senior can increase risk of loneliness, stress, lack of physical activity, and more. It’s important for seniors’ health to stay active even if unable to get out.

Up to 3.6 million people over 65 in the US are considered housebound. Often, those who are housebound suffer from medical and/or mental illnesses. Between the isolation of being at home and the challenges of illnesses, homebound seniors often have trouble staying active. (NCBI)

Common Challenges Homebound Seniors Face

Seniors who are homebound often suffer from a medical problem, psychiatric disability, or a memory disorder. When seniors are homebound, they often face challenges like:

• Being isolated
• Feelings of loneliness
• Hardship getting medical care/going to appointments
• Difficulty buying groceries and other essentials
• Mobility problems within the home
• Lack of exercise and physical activity
• Trouble finding mental stimulation
• Few conversations or social connections
• Decreased quality of life

(Healthline)

C A R E G I V E R S

Keep Homebound Seniors Active

Top Reasons Seniors Become Homebound

• Limited mobility
• Weakness
• Poor balance
• Medical conditions
• Memory disorders
• Mental health problems
• Lack of social support or assistance

(Sciencedirect)

Top Ways to Help Homebound Seniors Stay Mentally Sharp

• Crosswords
• Puzzles
• Reading
• Learning something new
• Regular conversations
• Practicing memorization

Home Care Tip:

Often being homebound can be discouraging for seniors. Help them stay positive and encourage them to stay active by participating in their activities.

How to Help Homebound Seniors Stay Active

Staying active can help seniors who are homebound to live higher quality, healthier lives. Use these tips to help seniors stay active:

Find Exercises That Seniors Can Do At Home

Physical activity is a natural form of stress relief. It also helps seniors stay flexible, fit, and healthy. Some great exercises for homebound seniors include:

• Stretching
• Seated strength training
• Aerobic exercise
• Yoga

Help Seniors Enjoy a New Hobby

Trying something new can help seniors stay sharp and active. Activities like knitting, reading, painting, wood carving, and scrapbooking are great choices.

Set Seniors Up in Online Communities

There are many ways for seniors to connect with others online. If they really like writing, for example, they could write for a blog. Online communities, chat rooms, and digital games all allow seniors to socialize without leaving home.

Play Games Regularly

If seniors have favorite board or card games, make time to play on a regular basis. They may also be able to play some games by themselves.

Encourage Visitors

Socializing doesn’t require going out. Seniors can connect with others by:

• Having visitors over
• Hosting groups for activities
• Using Skype to catch up with friends or loved ones

Taking Care of Their Place

For seniors able to perform some maintenance, cleaning, or decorating tasks, it’s good to keep at it. These sorts of activities can help seniors stay active and take pride in their home.

(ClearCare Online)

References:

• ClearCare Online
• NCBI
• Healthline
• Sciencedirect
• Additional Resource