I have seen the topic of hearing aids has been discussed here before but seems more to apply to early dementia. LO had mild hearing loss early on but an aid was not desired/refused. It was not a big deal to LO. Now as we hit advanced mixed dementia comprehension has dropped along with speech. It common to hear "I can't hear you" on bad days. Other involved family seem to think it can be fixed but my understanding always was if you do it, do it early. Since hearing is ok on good days I suspect it is more a feeling of being unable to hear due to lack of comprehension. Should we push to try it anyway? If we do and I am correct, is it only going to increase frustrations? Can it even be learned to use them later in dementia? LO is totally unable to accept or understand anything is wrong, denies dementia despite memory care being required. It has been asked by his care providers but seems to keep getting skirted. Should we let it go? Or keep on them for an answer? Any input on anyone else's experiences for later stage would be greatly appreciated. I just want to feel sure we are doing the right thing either way.
I would say that most of the problem comes from not being able to process what is being said. I walked in on 2 student nurses trying to explain to my Mom something they were going to do. I could tell by Moms face she had no idea what they were saying. I told them "you lost her on the first word". You need to make sure you are looking at ur LO in eye use just enough words to get across what u are trying to say. I got to the point that Mom ordering something at the Diner was a chore. So, I gave her 2 choices. Then it went to me ordering what I knew she liked. Just make it short and sweet.
Try the aides but if she is not used to wearing them, she probably will take them out and loose them.
Forcing the aides will only cause more confusion and upset to all involved.
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/new-study-links-hearing-loss-with-dementia-in-older-adults
I agree with others that it *could* be a comprehension issue... but it is totally possible he actually does have bad hearing.
You can't push anything if he won't/can't take the test, can't afford them, won't wear them.
Sounds like loved one is in memory care? They can do the turning on, putting in charger or changing batteries.
My mom has profound hearing loss; her hearing aids are life savers. Bc they sometimes needed to be sent off for repair leaving her without them, we got a backup pair.
We are fortunate mom can afford them. She has behind the ear rechargeable battery hearing aids. They are wonderful. We can’t fix dementia but we can fix the hearing loss.
I would recommend getting referrals from local on what providers they use and like.
Good luck!
(loss of hearing aids is also a big issue with dementia patients; inquire if the facility has a system to safeguard them)
This is very educational for me to read.
From what I have read (but I cannot recall the source) it's bad for the brain not to have hearing aids. This is a major purchase. We have tried both the franchises which are astronomical with a $500 rebate from health insurance carrier ($5,000-500= you pay $4,500). Plus, they don't last forever. About 5 years or so and then you need a new pair because the repairs is like putting good money after bad. Yes, you can insure these. But, once they are paid up there is no more insurance.
Fast forward today, now go to an Audiologist who charges 1/2 that. Batteries some come in the mail but for a period of time or you can buy on Amazon.
When you mother goes out in the ambulance, the prescription list should be on the refrigerator with info on the top: Patient wears hearing aids, has Dementia...is on a blood thinner, etc. When your loved one arrives at the ER they are going her who is the President of the U.S. If you don't have your hearing aids in, plus you have the bright lights, you can't sleep, noise and a shift change.
But, are you going to buy the hearing aids and a 1/2 hour later, one is missing in action? It's your call. It's a hard situation depending upon the cognitive skills of your mother. My mother has hers on the breakfast table each and every morning. She calls them her jewels. I have them cleaned, tested, new batteries.
I know it's hard but to reiterate I have hearing aids because I remember reading, it's not good if info doesn't get to the brain. I am in my late 50's, I lost my hearing due to Lyme Disease. I do have a bit of vanity so I have the one's that go inside the canal, plus I work online and have to wear a headset. The Veteran's also has a program but your mother really needs to be tested and fitted. A good audiologist could make recommendations. I check Mom's case every night along with the partial plate in a bowl (the dentist could be another whole forum).
I hope I was of some help to you...I will pray for you.
I will add that hearing aids are now available at much more reasonable prices, and with factual research, they can be found.
Costco, ZipHearing, just to name a couple sources for decent lower priced hearing aids, AND a GERIATRICS trained audiologist (hard to find, but worth the effort if one is available)can mean a Quality of Life difference.
Geriatric audiology is not the same as the “remediation” of hearing loss in other populations. As has been stated here in other posts, there is actually good FACTUAL RESEARCH about the use of amplification for patients with dementia. No miracle cures, but get the facts.
Ireland, for you, if you happen to be in the US, check out OTC hearing aids. I was recently surprised by that topic, and you may be too.
Adding any level of aging and dementia (aging being when most hearing loss occurs) makes everything more problematic. Given those of us who lived the 60s-rock are just now understanding the distress of those times on our hearing, I suspect there is going to be a good deal of thought given to hearing aids.
I would say the most common problem is that the newer devices demand some level of being adept at the 21st century tech to adjust the aids (often done by smart phone these days). The more old-fashioned ones (if you will) can be lost frequently, and are. And if you lose the new ones that can be fairly costly.
I would discuss this with a doctor adept at treating the elderly. There may be experimentation on what works and a learning curve involving what doesn't.
I have little hearing in my right ear at this point. I am 81. I am certain I am somewhat more annoying than usual with the "whattttt"s. But in my own mind I currently hear a good deal more than I would like to, so I am not going for aids. My 82 year old partner still can handle high tech,and has aids, and uses only for TV as he doesn't like how they work to filter in public. So that's personal input.
I wish you good luck on your own journey.