Half of all U.S. adults aged 70 or older have hearing loss. Hearing aids can help many of them, but only 30% of older adults have ever tried to correct their hearing with hearing aids.
Your dad is one of the population who cannot hear well. His hearing loss impacts his daily life. It’s his goal to age in place, but you think he needs support. It’s time to address his hearing loss.
He Shouldn’t Drive Alone
When you can’t hear, you shouldn’t drive. It’s that simple. If your dad cannot hear other traffic, train whistles or bells, or emergency vehicles’ sirens, it’s time for him to hand over his keys. Don’t let his fears of being isolated keep you from telling him that driving is not safe.
Have someone else drive him to his appointments, area stores, businesses, and community facilities. Your dad isn’t isolated and stuck at home, but he’s also not risking his and other people’s safety.
He Needs Help While Running Errands
If your dad cannot hear the things a cashier or other employee tells him, he shouldn’t run errands on his own. Have someone available to join him on those outings. He’ll have someone to be his ears when he’s asked a question or needs to hear his name being called while waiting for an order to be ready.
Escort Him to Appointments
Your dad has a medical appointment. He can’t hear everything he’s instructed. If you have someone join him for the appointment, that person can listen to the doctor’s or nurse’s instructions and make sure your dad has a list of instructions to follow at home.
Let Someone Else Answer the Phone
When your dad’s phone at home rings, he can’t hear the caller to understand what’s being said. It may be time for a phone that provides a captioned version of the caller’s speech. A phone that indicates it’s ringing with flashing lights instead of making noise may also be helpful.
Talk to His Doctor About Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are helpful and easier to get now. In 2022, laws changed, allowing stores to sell over-the-counter hearing aids. As a result, the prices are coming down, which may make them a possibility for your dad. At the very least, look into having his hearing tested and his ears checked.
Sometimes, hearing loss is as simple as a build-up of wax. If he has the wax professionally removed, it may help with his hearing.
When your dad cannot hear the sounds around him or people talking, he shouldn’t be driving. He probably needs to avoid walks unless someone is with him, especially if there is a lot of traffic in his neighborhood or dogs that owners let run loose.
You may not be free to join him on outings, but that shouldn’t mean he has to be alone. Hire senior home care services to make sure your dad has a companion when he has errands to run or plans to get his daily walk in.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Home Care in Tempe, AZ, or anywhere in the East Valley, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care.
Call (480) 777-0070
Sources:
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing
Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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