Many seniors struggle with hearing loss

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley

The world is a busy and sometimes crazy place. I attempted to contact my telephone provider and was directed to an AI first before I asked for a "real person." This was not over the phone but over the internet. Of course, all the security questions were asked, and eventually, after waiting, "Ralph" came on to assist me. I spent 30 minutes typing and asking the necessary questions, to understand why I was charged a long-distance call (which I never made) plus the $2.95 service charge!

Just for the record, I reverse googled the number and found the address and name of the person whom I apparently called, which was given to me by my service provider. This number does not show up on my statement. I do not know this person, nor did I make the call. "Ralph" stated, I called this person six times on May 19th.

I find it strange I can no longer get a bill in the mail. I know, I know... we're saving the trees, so, I have to get one via the internet. Whether I like it or not, I get an itemized list over the internet (except for the number of any long-distance calls), just the total charge of my monthly bill.

What happens if a senior cannot do this? Many seniors have hearing loss, cognitive decline, and other issues related to the aging process. Communication is essential to building a good relationship, one on one, or even over the phone. Hearing is a fundamental human sense which plays a critical role in communication. Effective communication, in any personal relationships, at work, in social groups and at Church, and in the community depends on deep and attentive listening skill.

My husband often says, he never heard me, or outright says, I never told him this or that. I am making an effort to speak more slowly and enunciate. He has tinnitus, however, I must admit I often call him from another room, or say something while standing at his side, instead of standing directly in front of him.

Many older adults have learned to read lips, in addition to listening to what is said. Seniors with hearing loss often feel embarrassed and frustrated, if they don't understand what someone is saying. Then, there are others who may hear just fine, but something may have impacted their ability to understand both spoken and written language.

Speak with your care provider, use hand gestures or pictures to help facilitate communication. I have learned, over the years, if a senior didn't understand me, I needed to rephrase what I was trying to express. I was hopeful this would increase the chances of them understanding. Maintaining eye contact, or sitting at the same level and addressing the person by their name, will increase your chances of success as well. I was always impressed by my mother's last dentist and his care and compassion for her and other seniors. He always knelt by her wheelchair and spoke to her slowly and calmly, making eye contact. My Mother responded with a smile, nodding when she hadn't talked, or responded to her PSW, or even family during her last year.

Almost everyone will suffer from hearing impairment or interact with someone who is at some point. When you start asking family and friends to repeat themselves over and over, perhaps it is time to purchase hearing-impaired phones. They are not just for seniors but for anyone who is deaf or has a communication disorder.