Elder Care in Norwalk CT
Hearing loss is a huge concern for elderly loved ones because it can often mean losing a bit of independence. These suggestions can help your loved one to retain her hearing for as long as possible.
Keep Tabs on Medical Conditions
If your loved one already has one or more health conditions, you may find that she's at greater risk of developing hearing loss. In some cases, the medication that the health conditions are treated with have a side effect of hearing issues. It's a really good idea anyway to keep close tabs on your loved one's medical conditions, but if her focus is on retaining her hearing, it's doubly important.
Avoid Using Foreign Objects in Ears
You've likely heard it before, but using foreign objects to clean your ears is definitely dangerous. Not only could you puncture an ear drum, but some objects, such as cotton swabs, can actually push wax further into the ear. When that happens, continuing to stuff wax in can cause the ear drum to rupture. If your loved one has significant trouble with ear wax or itching ears, definitely mention it to her doctor so that he can handle it properly.
Steer Clear of Harmful Noises without Ear Protection
Loud noises are another situation that your loved one needs to avoid in order to preserve her hearing. Make sure that if your loved one ever is around loud noises, such as power tools, lawn tools, or even loud music, that she uses ear protection. An even better option is to help her avoid loud noises whenever possible.
Talk to Your Loved One's Doctor
Whenever you're in doubt about your elderly loved one's ear health, make sure that you bring up your concerns with her doctor. He can help to determine if there is any hearing loss and he can recommend an audiologist if he determines that a visit would be helpful. Your loved one's doctor is also a good source for information about possible side effects from medications that could be causing hearing loss, so make sure to ask any questions that you have.
Let your loved one's elder care providers know the plan when it comes to her hearing so that they can work with you to preserve it as much as possible.
Source
http://www.apa.org/about/gr/issues/aging/mental-health.aspx
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Norwalk, CT or the surrounding areas, please contact SYNERGY HomeCare of Stamford, CT at 203-661-6969.