Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t cause hearing loss, but it can be greatly affected by it. Hearing loss is common for many people as they age and is a major risk factor for developing dementia. Here is what you need to know about Alzheimer’s and hearing loss, as well as how Alzheimer’s home care can support your senior through the disease progression.

How Does Hearing Loss Affect Alzheimer’s Disease Progression?

Hearing is one of the key ways we connect with the world around us. It’s our main form of communication from one person to the next, it warns of alerts in the area (like thunder or an alarm), it brings joy or comfort in pleasant sounds, and it helps us process our environment. The loss of hearing is difficult for everyone, but if your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease as well, it can be especially devasting and may reduce her quality of life.

You might see your loved one have several complications from her hearing loss when combined with her Alzheimer’s:

• Communication misunderstandings and frustrations as she’s unable to understand what you are asking her to do, both cognitively and hearing-wise auditorily.
• Less interaction with the world around her. Your loved one might withdraw even more and not seek interactions with others. This can lead to quicker cognitive decline.
• Increased stress and frustration with not being able to hear the world around her.
• Higher risk of injury without the ability to hear alarms, shouted instructions, or warnings.

Tips for Communicating with Your Loved One

The best thing you can do is to see an ear doctor and determine if a hearing aid will help. Your loved one might be a bit fearful or anxious about getting tested or fitted so it can help to have an Alzheimer’s home care provider come along with the appointment for support as well as visit an ENT who specializes in hearing loss and dementia.

If you can get a hearing aid that your loved one will wear, her hearing may be only partially restored so having some tips to communicate better with her will help.

• Use visuals when possible. If you are asking which shirt your loved one would like to wear, hold up each shirt once and then have her point to the one she wants. You can get flashcards of objects as well so you can hold those up during conversations as well.
• Speak clearly with simple words in a concise manner. Sentences should be short and to the point and you should strive to enunciate each syllable of each word. Don’t yell, but speak loudly and clearly.
• Try talking in quiet environments. The doctor’s waiting room may not be the place to explain something to your loved one. Ask for a quiet room with no distractions. At home, turn off the TV or radio before talking. If an Alzheimer’s care provider is visiting, try avoiding conversations with your loved one while she’s talking to the Alzheimer’s care provider. She will do best with one-on-one conversations instead of group chats.
• Maintain eye contact. By looking directly into her eyes, she’ll know you are speaking to her. If necessary, redirect your loved one’s focus back to you if she tends to drift off in conversation.

Supporting your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease and hearing loss will require patience and understanding from everyone involved in her Alzheimer’s care.

Reference
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/reduce-your-risk-of-dementia/hearing-loss

If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s home care in Grapevine, TX, please contact the caring staff at Ray of Sunshine Senior Care today! (940) 310-3105

Ray of Sunshine Senior Care Provides Senior Home Care Services in Denton, Lewisville, Gainesville, Keller, Grapevine, Coppell, Carrollton, Southlake, Valley View, Aubrey, Frisco, Corinth, Argyle, Roanoke, Counties: Denton County, Tarrant County, Collin County, and surrounding areas.

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Cynthia Ferris

Owner at Ray of Sunshine Senior Care

Cynthia has a long history of serving others. As she and her husband traveled the US and overseas while he served in the military, Cynthia worked in a variety of public service positions with city governments and non-profits. After her husband retired, they returned to the DFW area to be closer to family. As an only child, Cynthia was preparing to help care for her aging parents but was stunned when both parents were diagnosed with cancer.

At the same time, she and her husband were faced with the care of his father on the west coast which presented the unique challenges of long-distance care. These events led to a crash course in the senior care industry and her unending dedication to helping seniors and families in similar circumstances. When not working Cynthia enjoys cooking, gardening and traveling with a focus on visiting State and National Parks.

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