Research out of the Division of Geriatric Medicine at Penn State Health indicates that people who suffer from advanced hearing loss also tend to suffer from cognitive and emotional issues, too.
Hearing loss can impact some populations more than others. Those with dementia are particularly impacted. Some studies indicate that those with dementia and hearing loss tend to see a greater impact on their ability to think than those who are otherwise mentally healthy.
Of course, dementia patients are not the only ones impacted by hearing loss. Almost everyone that experiences this is impacted in some way.
It’s important to note here that people often wait for years before talking about hearing loss with their doctors. Some people never mention it at all. Unfortunately, this prolongs the issues that some are facing. Rather than address the issue and potentially find a resolution for it, people ignore the problem or minimize it. But hearing loss tends to be a treatable issue for many people. There are almost always ways around it that can help avoid the cognitive functioning issues mentioned here.
Hearing loss is also linked to social isolation and emotional problems, primarily depression. Having a hard time engaging with those around you like you once did takes a toll. It’s often easier not to do anything at all rather than ask people to repeat themselves or ask them to look at you when they’re speaking. But people are meant to live life together. We are social by nature–social isolation or even just feelings of isolation because of a tougher time communicating both come with a high price.
Unfortunately, it is a price that a lot of older people end up paying.
Hearing aids can be a helpful option for some people. Unfortunately, they don’t work with all types of hearing loss. Working with a doctor that specializes in hearing can help you to figure out what will work best for your needs.
There are studies out there that look at hearing loss and education. What these studies have found is that students who are deaf or hearing impaired have a harder time learning when compared to someone that functions fine in this area. Hearing loss can put a child at risk of a subpar education. It makes sense that hearing loss in an older individual can have a similar effect. To be sure, this is not the same thing. It is only being mentioned here as an illustration of how important the use of our senses is when it comes to cognitive functioning. When one is diminished it can take a big toll on other aspects of health.
One of the benefits of professional level senior care is that it can help address and take steps toward resolving problems like this. In-home care isn’t just about meeting physical needs, it’s also about meeting emotional and social needs, too. In-home care creates companionship which is a necessary part of a healthy social life. Caregivers are more than people that help out with needs, they become trusted friends.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of in-home care, please reach out. One of our trained professionals would be happy to talk more.
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