Technology can benefit seniors with hearing loss

Technology can benefit seniors with hearing loss

As people enter their golden years, they may have trouble understanding their grandchildren’s stories, or find themselves setting the TV louder and louder. Presbycusis, or hearing loss due to aging, and noise-induced hearing loss are the two most common causes of hearing loss in adults, said Kevin Tripp, audiologist at Sound Advice Hearing Doctors in Searcy and Cabot.

“There are many consequences of hearing loss,” he said. “Hearing difficulty affects our ability to participate in many of the activities that are important to us. Hearing loss is isolating, which is linked to loneliness and depression. Hearing loss not only affects the hearing-impaired individual, but is stressful for their family and close friends as well.”

However, modern technology provides many options for seniors looking to adapt to hearing loss.

Hearing aids

Hearing aids can improve listening, communication and, in some cases, reduce ringing in the ears. The devices come in various styles to suit individual preferences, and experienced audiologists can help seniors determine which devices fit their needs and lifestyle.

“The key to your success is finding an excellent provider that is focused on finding a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs,” Tripp said. “No one will find a hearing aid beneficial if it was not selected and programmed with your specific needs in mind.”

Family and friends with hearing loss may be able to recommend a good audiologist, he added. During an appointment, an audiologist conducts a hearing exam and discusses any problems the patient is having, which can be revisited later to ensure treatments are effective. After the exam, the audiologist discusses the results and possible treatment options with the patient, taking the patient’s job, hobbies and lifestyle into consideration.

“It is very rare that only one option would be appropriate, so keep in mind that if you are only recommended one option, you may want to seek a second opinion,” Tripp said.

Free trials are crucial to finding an appropriate aid, he added. Trials may include an initial fitting, a follow-up appointment seven to 10 days later to discuss whether the devices are helping and make adjustments if necessary, and another couple of weeks during which the patient will wear the devices and go to additional appointments if needed.

“A trial is absolutely essential. Hearing aids are a big investment, and no one should be purchasing hearing aids without first having a chance to wear them for a few weeks,” Tripp said. “It is not a decision that should be made in one day. The purchase of a hearing aid begins a relationship between you and your audiologist that will be ongoing for many years.”

For that reason, seniors with hearing loss should go to audiologists in their area who can provide follow-up care, he said. Audiologists can advise patients about any cleaning and maintenance their devices require.

Seniors who wear hearing aids should have their hearing checked once a year, he said, adding that hearing aids usually need to be replaced every five or six years.

In addition, consumers should only purchase hearing aids made by major brands to ensure accessible service, he said, adding that consumers should beware of gimmicks such as huge limited-time discounts or devices that cost upwards of $5,000.

“When you seek treatment for hearing loss, you should expect to be in a professional environment with a clinician who is focused on finding the best treatment option to meet your needs within your budget,” he said.

Captioned telephones

Although some folks might take phone conversations for granted, talking on the phone can be a struggle for seniors with hearing loss.

“Often when people can’t hear well, they shy away from talking on the phone. This can be a very isolating experience,” said Nancy Foster, outreach representative with OEI: Outreach, Education and Installations for CapTel Captioned Telephone, that staying connected is one of the most important factors in overall health and well-being.

When seniors with hearing loss try to guess at what they hear over the phone, they may make mistakes about important details such as times and dates, she said. In addition, being able to use the phone can be vital to a person’s safety during emergencies, she said.

Captioned telephones can ease phone conversations by displaying verbatim captions of every word the speaker says, which allows listeners to check captions and be sure of what they heard. Depending on their preferences, seniors can choose designs that look and act like traditional phones or contemporary models with touch screens.

Unlike text telephones, which do not allow for verbal communication, captioned telephones allow users to hear words as they see them, which can be important to meaningful conversation.

“Many people can hear somewhat over the phone, so they can still catch the tone of voice or any emotions that are present,” Foster said, “but if they can’t make out what is said, they can refer to the captions to confirm what they hear.”

OEI representatives work with hearing-loss professionals and organizations that support seniors with hearing loss in communities to ensure individuals have access to captioned telephones, she said. Seniors may be eligible to receive free CapTel phones and installation if they have a signed certification from a doctor or audiologist, Foster said.

In addition, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services’ Telecommunication Access Program provides accessible telephone equipment to eligible individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using standard telephones.

Relay Services

Relay services provide another option to seniors who need help communicating by phone. Arkansas Relay Services offers a free phone service that uses operators and captioners to relay phone conversations for individuals with hearing loss, manager Alice Berry said. Communication assistants take calls 24/7, undergo extensive training before relaying their first call, and take regular speed and accuracy tests, she added.

“It can open up a whole new world for [seniors with hearing loss], and they can become independent on the telephone again,” she said, adding that many seniors rely on others to use the phone for them. “After receiving our services, they can take care of their own needs and appointments through the use of the telephone without waiting on someone else to help them.”

Arkansas Relay Services also assists individuals with speech impediments through its Speech-to-Speech service, during which the operator repeats everything the speaker says or stays on the line and repeats if needed. Parties without speech can use the Hearing Carry-Over service, which allows them to type a message, which the operator voices.

Although hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate with loved ones or participate in activities, technology can help seniors carry on without missing a word.

“Admitting you have hearing loss and getting help on the telephone can change your life,” Berry said.