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 Hearing loss is a prevalent chronic condition found in individuals over the age of 65. About 33% of those between age 65 and 74 and 50% of those over 85 have hearing problems. Quality of life in these individuals with hearing loss is compromised, with three out of five experiencing difficulty with day to day communication.
Hearing loss can have a great impact on a resident's life. It can greatly deteriorate quality of life and have a negative impact on independence due to depression and isolation. Individuals with hearing impairment can benefit from the services of a HealthSYNC audiologist and the use of hearing aids as documented by clinical evidence/need. Additionally, audiological rehabilitation promotes successful hearing aid use and improves communication and psychosocial functioning of individuals with hearing impairment.
Indicators for hearing care
- Depression, dementia, and confusion
- Irritability and inappropriate responses
- Problems hearing because of background noise
- Complaining of people mumbling
- Continually asking people to repeat themselves
- Avoiding noisy rooms, social occasions, or family gatherings
- Prefers the TV or radio louder than other people do
- Having difficulty understanding people
- Having difficulty following conversations in a group
- Impatient, irritable, frustrated, or withdrawn dispositions
Hearing and quality of life
Hearing is a basic sense that allows one to communicate with the world. To maintain and preserve quality of life one must be able to communicate thoughts, feelings, and attitudes through the ability to hear and speak.
Hearing and quality of care
As one ages, hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression and anxiety, loneliness, diminished self-efficacy, and stressful relationships with family members who may experience frustration, impatience, anger, pity, or guilt in trying to communicate with an individual who has hearing loss. HealthSYNC audiologists can provide rehabilitative services for persons who have or are suspected of having hearing loss.
Providing audiology care has many benefits, including:
- Easing communication
- Emotional stability
- Sense of control over life events
- Perception of mental functioning
- Physical health
- Group social participation
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