| A New Strategy to Meet the Needs of the Elderly |
Information that might be of particular interest to our caregiver community...
A New Strategy to Meet the Needs of the Elderly by Alan Lipton Geriatric Care Management: Getting older isn't what it used to be. There was a time when senior members of the community lived amongst their extended family, relying on their children or grandchildren for support. But as the Baby Boomer generation pushes the population's media age higher and higher, and as each generation seems to move farther and farther from its geographical roots, the act of younger generations caring for their elderly relatives is becoming less common. Nowadays, the elderly must find alternative ways to receive the type of care they need, though many seniors are reluctant to move into retirement homes or assisted living facilities. |
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Living With Age Related Hearing Loss
Written by Ran - Hearing Direct
Friday, 17 September 2010 00:00
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Hearing loss can affect all age groups, but one type in particular is more common. If you suspect you might be suffering from age related hearing loss, you are not alone. Age related hearing loss (presbyacusis) affects people over the age of 60 and the type of hearing loss tends to take place gradually making it slightly harder to notice. As the years go by, damage occurs to the hair cells in the cochlea making it more difficult to recognise sounds. There isn't a cure for age related hearing loss, however there are medical aids which can help. 1. Establish the type of hearing loss you have - Hearing loss is broken down into four main categories according to the degree or severity of the loss. By means of a hearing test your hearing is measured on a scale of decibels of hearing loss and against a ‘normal’ hearing person. A hearing test is easy to book from your local hearing centre or family doctor and you should be quick about it. If your hearing is impaired, the longer you wait before treatment, the longer your sound processing areas within the brain are left without stimulation 2. Consider your treatment options - There is currently no cure for age-related hearing loss, however it is worth investigating the use of amplification aids. These devices are used to increase external sounds to a level were you can hear. For example, investigate the use of a hearing aid, extra loud telephone, extra loud alarm clock, etc. Based on your particular lifestyle, you should be able to find a suitable aid. 3. Hearing aids explained - Often hard of hearing people look at various aspects during the buying process. Some people are looking for comfort, some are looking for discreteness and others look for an affordable solution. Hearing aids are divided into two main groups by the way in which the aid fits to the ear. These include two main groups, BTE hearing aids (behind-the-ear) and ITE hearing aids (inside-the-ear). Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so you will need to ensure the aid fits your personal circumstances. 4. The stigma - Despite the clear benefits of using amplification aids to treat age related hearing loss, some people might keep on suffering. They are concerned that using amplification aids such as wearing a hearing aid makes them look older or even handicapped. This is of course unjustifiable and the first consideration should always be the lifestyle and health benefits these aids bring. About The Author Living with age related hearing loss contributed by the team at hearing aids seller Hearing Direct. |
| Last Updated ( Friday, 17 September 2010 06:50 ) |
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