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When Seniors Struggle With Hearing and Speech

February 20, 2019
Lenora Alabi
With age, elderly adults are at a higher risk for having problems with hearing and speech. It’s very common for those two issues to appear together, especially after a stroke or head injury. Family caregivers with elderly loved ones that struggle with speech and hearing must take a close look at whether their relative can continue to live independently or if they need senior care providers.

What Causes Speech or Hearing Loss in Seniors?

Illness and injury are the main reasons why seniors lose the power of speech and hearing. Speech disorders can originate from problems with the brain or problems with the mouth, but the result is a reduction in the ability to communicate. If the muscles or nerves in the face or mouth are damaged, it can affect how well the senior can create sounds and words. If the problem is in the brain, it may mean that certain receptors are not sending proper signals.

When it comes to hearing, there are lots of possibilities. Hearing diminishes naturally with age, more severely in some than others. There are several ear issues that could also result in hearing loss, like Meniere’s disease, otitis, untreated ear infections and more. Many hearing issues can be resolved with hearing aids or surgery, but some cannot be revered, leading to major adjustments to lifestyle.

How Senior Care Providers Can Help Aging Adults

Without the ability to communicate effectively, elderly adults may be facing a lonely and frustrating life ahead of them However, if they work hard in therapy and follow what their doctors say, they have some hope of recovering. However, many seniors must learn to live with the new normal and can no longer live independently. These seniors might benefit from a senior care provider.

The senior care provider is an in-home care provider that assists the aging adult in every task they cannot do for themselves. They can do housework, cooking, laundry, pet care, and even help aging adults with things like bathing, dressing and grooming. For those seniors with hearing and speech issues, senior care providers can help in many ways. They can assist the senior in following the doctor’s orders, encourage them to do the speech therapy, assist with hearing aids, and provide companionship to prevent them from feeling isolated and lonely.

Communication disorders are quite prevalent in the elderly population and too many family caregivers simply write off their aging loved one’s symptoms as just part of growing old. With remarkable advancements in speech therapy and rearing rehabilitation, the aging adult can enjoy a high quality of life despite the challenges that their situation brings. Enlisting the help of family caregivers and senior care providers ensures they have a strong support group to tackle any obstacles in their way.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING SENIOR CARE IN NEW EAST SIDE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.