Hearing & Vision Loss In Seniors: Know The Signs & When To Get Help

Hearing loss often occurs so slowly that an older adult can have serious hearing problems without realizing it. However, vision problems tend to be noticeable right away. While seniors with vision loss are often aware that they should seek treatment, they may be afraid to seek help because they believe it will interfere with their independence or they’re afraid of the diagnosis.

It’s important that your loved one with hearing or vision loss receives the appropriate medical and senior care they need to remain healthy, safe, and independent for as long as possible. This includes getting hearing exams and eye exams regularly to monitor any changes in their health and get any necessary aids to help their condition (such as hearing aids). Elder home health care can also help those seniors with vision or hearing loss stay in their home by providing compassionate, expert care to improve their quality of life.

The Signs Of Senior Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can affect your parent’s ability to socialize with their friends and family, communicate their needs, and watch out for safety dangers in and out of the home. Perhaps they can’t hear a warning honk from a car, or they misunderstand instructions.

Signs your parent has developed hearing loss include:

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Turning up the volume on the television or their phone
• Avoiding conversations with more than one person
• Avoiding going to noisy environments like restaurants and malls
• Telling other people they are mumbling or speaking softly

The Signs Of Senior Vision Loss

Vision loss can be a frightening experience, but some seniors may still delay telling you or their health care providers about it. Or, they may not recognize the signs of impending vision loss.

Signs your parent may be developing vision loss include:

• Complaining of blurry or dark spots
• Using eye drops for scratchy or dry eyes
• Moving closer to the television or to the speaker during a conversation
• Complaining of double vision or blind spots, even temporarily
• Pain in eyes, especially when accompanied by nausea and vomiting

Help For Vision & Hearing Loss From iCare Home Health

Your parent can still be safe and remain in their own home when dealing with vision or hearing loss. Elder home health care can help your parent adjust to their new hearing aids, and help those with vision loss adapt. Senior care professionals can also make your parent’s home safer by undertaking tasks they can no longer perform. To learn more about our senior care services, contact iCare Home Health today for a complimentary consultation.