Hearing loss is common among older people. In fact, according to one estimate, “70% to 90% of elderly residents in long-term care facilities have some degree of hearing impairment.”
Unfortunately, despite the prevalence of hearing loss in nursing homes, many facility workers don’t know how to help care for hearing aids. When researchers for one study asked long-term care facility workers about this, “73% of informants found that many residents need help with their hearing aids. Only one-tenth report that they know enough about the residents’ hearing aids.”
This data shows that people with hearing loss who live in nursing homes need support from loved ones regarding hearing aid care. We review some tips for helping your loved ones below.
Label Their Hearing Aids
One of the most important things you can do for your loved one is label their hearing aids with their name or initials using a permanent marker. This way, if the hearing aids are accidentally picked up during a room clean or bedding change, they can be returned without hassle.
Purchase a Lanyard/Clip
A hearing aid lanyard/clip works by attaching your loved one’s hearing aids to their clothing. This way, if they fall out, they won’t land on the ground where they could be lost or stepped on.
Demonstrate Nightly Cleanings
Your loved one or the staff at Escalante at the Lakes should know how to perform a nightly cleaning of the hearing aids. First, the hearing aid should be wiped off using a soft, dry cloth or brushed with a soft brush. Then, any stubborn debris should be removed using a wax pick/wire loop.
Establish Nighttime Storage
For your loved one to always know where their hearing aids are when they wake up, they should be stored somewhere safe in the same location each night. Ideally, they should be stored in a case – especially rechargeable hearing aids – near their bed. Don’t store hearing aids in the bathroom, where they can be subjected to humidity or accidentally splashed or dropped in the toilet.
For more information on hearing loss testing or to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, call Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute today.
Call Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute at (702) 735-7668 for more information or to schedule an appointment.