Memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with daily tasks are just a few of the struggles that people with dementia face. Unfortunately, many also experience hearing loss, which can exacerbate their condition and make communication even more challenging. However, there is a solution – hearing aids.
By improving their hearing, hearing aids can help people with dementia communicate more effectively, reduce their sense of isolation, and improve their overall quality of life. Additionally, they can also help prevent falls, as better hearing allows them to be more aware of their surroundings and avoid potential hazards.
When selecting a hearing aid for someone with dementia, it is essential to consider their comfort, ease of use, and adjustability to fine-tune it to their specific needs. It is also crucial to factor in the cost of the device, as well as any maintenance or replacement costs.
Overall, hearing aids can be a valuable tool for individuals with dementia who experience hearing loss. They can significantly improve their life by enhancing communication and safety, as well as reducing feelings of isolation. If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss due to dementia, it is vital to speak with a healthcare professional about the potential benefits of hearing aids. Our office is staffed with a registered nurse who has experience with patients with dementia and a board-certified hearing specialist who can help navigate the difficult process of helping you or your loved one. Call our office to schedule a no cost and no obligation consultation to discuss what we can do for you today.
The emotional effects of untreated hearing loss
Studies have linked untreated hearing loss to a number of emotional health conditions, including:
- Irritability, negativism and anger
- Fatigue, tension, stress and depression
- Avoidance or withdrawal from social situations
- Social rejection and loneliness
- Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety
When you have hearing loss, you may experience difficulty following conversations in a group setting. Due to this problem, you’re more likely to socially withdraw from visits with friends and family, which, over time, leads to depression and anxiety. The prospect of being immersed in a work meeting or large gathering, where numerous conversations will occur, can leave you feeling anxious.
Types Of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be experienced in varying degrees, such as mild, moderate, moderately-severe, severe or profound. Additionally, this loss can also vary depending on pitches or frequencies. A series of hearing tests can determine the amount of loss you experience compared to an average of many other adult listeners with typical hearing. These tests can help determine the type of hearing loss you’re experiencing, which can be categorized conductive, sensorineural or mixed.
Conductive hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the way sound is conducted to the inner ear and a structure called the cochlea. The problem may lie in the ear canal, eardrum (tympanic membrane) or the middle ear (ossicles and Eustachian tube). The inner ear and auditory nerve remain unaffected in this type of hearing loss.
Sensorineural hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the sensory receptors of the hearing system, specifically in the cochlea of the inner ear or auditory nerve. The majority of sensorineural hearing loss occurs as a result of an abnormality or damage to the hair cells in the cochlea. This abnormality prevents sound from being transmitted to the brain normally, which results in a hearing loss.
Mixed hearing loss
Mixed hearing loss occurs when a person has a sensorineural hearing loss in combination with a conductive hearing loss. This means there is a problem in the inner ear as well as in the outer and/or middle ear.
How To Prevent Hearing Loss For Musicians
Both custom and non-custom products are available for musicians to help prevent hearing loss. Wearing the right ear protection not only helps combat hearing loss, but can also help to prevent tinnitus.
- Musician earplugs: These earplugs for made for musicians playing a variety of different types of instruments. They’re available in several types of materials, from foam to a softer plastic, and enable the musician to still hear the music being performed. These earplugs are also beneficial for concert-goers to protect their hearing while still enjoying the music.
- Electronic earplugs: These earplugs are electronic and can be programmed to adjust to different pitches and sounds depending on the loudness and environment the musician is in. These adaptive earplugs allow musicians to hear the sounds that are important, while filtering out damaging noise levels.
- In-ear monitors: These high-tech devices are used by musicians or audio-engineer professionals and deliver sound to the ear while creating a barrier to background and damaging noise levels. In-ear monitors are available in custom or universal options.