Does your home pass the hearing test?
HEN YOU START to think about moving into a care home, you will probably focus on the obvious things, like bedrooms and food. But don’t overlook personal care. Who will be looking after your teeth, eyes and hearing? Even if you don’t use a hearing aid at the moment, for example, you need to know the right arrangements are in place.
A study by Action On Hearing Loss identified that “many residents in UK care homes are often locked in a world where they can’t hear”. People can be slow to seek help for hearing loss — it is an accepted part of getting older, affecting 6.3 million over-65s in the UK. Some people think there is little that can be done to treat it, or worry that they will have to wear an obtrusive hearing device, says Nathan Gluck, a hearing care specialist who provides care homes with on-site hearing-aid demonstrations. He also has clinics across north London, for adults and children from age five.
Unlike sight and teeth, hearing is not checked regularly and loss can be very gradual, points out Nathan. Often it is the person experiencing their sense in slow decline who is the last to know. For care-home staff, it can be tricky to distinguish hearing loss from confusion, depression or dementia. But if hearing loss is managed effectively, there is a real chance of improving quality of life.
Ideally an individual will have got used to wearing and looking after their hearing aid before going into a home and homes should assess residents’ hearing when they move in. Staff should know how to adjust and maintain hearing aids and prevent their being mislaid. People with dementia may forget to wear their hearing aids, so staff should monitor this. There should be a system for replacing batteries as well as regular checks to see if residents need ear syringing.
The care home should have quiet areas where people can talk without background noise and well-positioned, functioning hearing loops. Details are important — are tablecloths used at meals? If not, cutlery noise may prevent residents from hearing well.
“Technology has moved on tremendously,” says Nathan, “with a wide range of hearing aids and other devices that can easily be fitted and used, to suit different lifestyles, so there is no need to be afraid or feel isolated.” Nathan Gluck: Freephone 0800 781 0422. Action on Hearing Loss: Telephone: 0808 808 9000, Textphone: 0808 808 0123 informationline@hearingloss.org.uk