Hearing Awareness Week in Assisted Living Facilities
Hearing is one of the most vital senses, enabling effective communication. Engaging with movies, music, and diverse forms of entertainment necessitates hearing and enriches life experiences. Everyday activities, whether at home, work, or assisted living facilities, demand the capacity to perform auditory tasks. When hearing is lost, difficulties in the workplace and daily life escalate.
Hearing Awareness Week is an annual initiative designed to underscore the significance of hearing health. This yearly event is committed to elevating awareness about hearing loss, which is common among older adults residing in assisted living facilities.
Prevention, early detection, and various treatments are also emphasized throughout the week-long celebration. These are all intended to aid individuals with hearing impairments and their families in seeking assistance upon observing symptoms, gaining a deeper understanding of the condition, and fostering a supportive atmosphere, thereby enhancing their overall well-being.
Common Hearing Issues in Seniors
Hearing loss remains a prevalent issue among seniors, affecting their well-being. Age-related factors and chronic medical conditions, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, contribute to hearing decline. Presbycusis, a gradual hearing loss condition, is the most common type.
An individual with Presbycusis finds it hard to tolerate sounds, making it difficult to understand speech in noisy environments. Age-related hearing loss, like Presbycusis, can cause feelings of frustration and isolation since it would be difficult for seniors to participate in social engagements and conversations, leading to depression.
Tinnitus is another hearing issue common in older people and the first sign of hearing loss in older adults. It is described as ringing, clicking, or buzzing in the ears, which can be heard in one or both ears. But Tinnitus can also be a medication side effect or an indication of other health issues, like allergies or high blood pressure.
Beyond its social implications, hearing issues, when left untreated, can negatively affect cognitive function. Studies reveal increased efforts to process auditory information can lead to cognitive decline. Moreover, safety among seniors in assisted living facilities is also impacted, mainly when outside and when they cannot hear approaching vehicles, warning signals, and such. Untreated hearing loss can ultimately affect the quality of life of older adults.
Hearing Care in Assisted Living Facilities
Residents in assisted living facilities with hearing loss and other existing conditions may experience increased difficulty in their daily lives. Regular screenings are crucial for early detection and prevention. Assisted care facilities must also encourage hearing aids, safely store them, use cords and clips to prevent hearing aids from falling and hitting the floor, and maintain them. Staff must also be well aware of the policies and protocols regarding hearing aid use.
Moreover, facilities must create a supportive environment, minimizing noises while providing assistive listening devices and visual alert systems. Additionally, consistent monitoring and creating an inclusive environment help seniors stay connected and engaged, positively impacting their overall well-being.
Promoting Awareness & Education in Assisted Living Facilities
Workshops and varied educational resources provide staff, residents, and their families with the fundamentals about hearing loss, hearing aids, maintenance, and communication strategies. Routine check-ups and screenings must also be readily available to mitigate the progression of hearing loss and its effects.
Families become more cognizant of the signs and symptoms for timely professional intervention. Through awareness and education, residents and their families are empowered to implement diverse communication strategies, reducing isolation and depression.
Resources & Next Steps
Audiologists are the primary healthcare professionals who seek assistance for evaluations and counseling regarding hearing health issues. However, you can begin by requesting recommendations from your physician for a reliable audiologist. Another option is to visit local hospitals, clinics, or medical centers for reputable audiologists.
Assisted living facilities can aid their residents by establishing partnerships with hearing clinics and specialists to ensure residents receive quality hearing care and related services.
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