What You Must Know About Communication With A Hearing Impaired Senior
We face many problems as we age, and one of the most common and noticeable is a loss of hearing. It's an very common problem, and around 60 percent of people aged between 65 and 74 have some kind of hearing problem, with half of those over 84 suffering from a total loss of hearing. In the event you work at a senior care facility, or work for a home care company like Retire At Home in Victoria, you might have an idea how difficult a problem this can be to cope with. However, there are some simple steps you can take to make it easier to communicate. Remember, you may well be in the same position yourself at some point, and may have a problem hearing.
Tips to Better Communication With Hearing Impaired Seniors
* Although it sounds obvious, if your senior wears a hearing aid, check that it is actually turned on, is fitted correctly and has a working battery. Many seniors don't bother to take care of their hearing aid, and won't let anyone know that it is not working.
* When talking to an older person, make an effort to talk to them at their level; if they are sitting, be certain that you're seated too, and talk directly to them. They may not hear you if you're looking away, or are standing on the other side of the room. Keep your hands from your face when talking, and make sure you aren't eating or chewing gum.
* Background noise can be a problem. If you're trying to talk to a hearing impaired person in a loud environment, they'll have even more difficulty hearing you. Many older people listen to the television at a much louder volume than you would do; it is acceptable to turn the volume down to talk.
* If a senior is having more trouble hearing you than usual, it is a sure sign that they may be sick or tired.
* Your conversation will be easier to understand if you use simple and short sentences. Try rephrasing something, rather than simply repeating the same thing over again. Making gestures and using exaggerated facial expressions can also be us eful.
* Try not to shout, even though it is instinctive to do this. Rather, speak loudly and clearly and make sure that you enunciate words clearly. Try not to rush your speech, which will simply make it harder to understand you.
Although some seniors live in nursing homes or assisted living homes, the majority either live at home or with a family member. If you are caring for a senior whose hearing isn't what it used to be, a reliable home care provider can ensure that your loved one has an experienced caregiver. If you have enjoyed this short article... We have located other content articles like this one about amazing online businesses that you may find interesting also. If you like this article, then why not share it socially also?
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