Hearing Loss

Do you find the need to repeat yourself more often than not to the person you are caring for? Does your talking level closely resemble your yelling level just so your loved one can hear you? Are you speaking so slowly that you end up losing your train of thought?

It is possible that the person you are caring for is one of the 28 million Americans experiencing?hearing loss. Unlike incontinence, hearing loss is a natural sign of aging due to a change in the structure of the ear. After age 65, one out of three Americans at least partially loses their hearing. Other causes of hearing loss include:

·??????? Build-up of earwax

·??????? Chronic middle or inner ear infections

·??????? Medical conditions like diabetes or a brain tumor

·??????? High blood pressure

·??????? Exposure to excessive noise like heavy machinery

·??????? A blood clot in the nerves of the ear

·??????? High blood pressure

·??????? Tinnitus- (a common syndrome indicated by a ringing sensation in the ear)

·??????? Meniere’s Disease- (excess fluid in canals of the inner ear)

Before deciding upon the kind of treatment the person you are caring for should receive; their doctor should determine the cause of their hearing loss.

Hearing care hints for your loved one?to help them communicate more easily.

·??????? Look at people when they are talking to you

·??????? install a flashing bulb on doorbells, telephones and fire alarms.

·??????? Limit background noise

·??????? Sit in the front row

·??????? Consider a “hearing dog” that responds to certain noises

·??????? Check out hearing aids. You can buy one on a 30- day trial period

·??????? Ask about assisted hearing devices before you buy a television

Helping your loved?one to hear better will not only benefit them, it will benefit you greatly.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage.? This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in.? The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors.? The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. www.JewishPavilion.org

The Orlando Senior Help Desk at the Jewish Pavilion (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org

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