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Bookmark and Share Caregivers with hearing loss

Gary Sanders*, age 71, came to the office with his daughter, Emily*, to discuss hearing and hearing aids. He had known about his hearing loss for years, but what motivated him today was his grandchild. Gary cares for 2-year-old Gabby* while her mom works. It has been an excellent situation for all involved; it saves Emily child care expenses, Gabby gets to bond with her grandfather and Gary is less lonely (he is recently widowed).

“Gabby was playing in the yard and fell off the swing; I didn’t hear her calling for me. It really made me worry about not hearing and the safety issues,” he explained. Emily chimed in, “Dad doesn’t always hear the phone, and sometimes I need to get in touch with him about a change in the schedule; it really makes me worry when he doesn’t answer because I immediately think something is wrong. Our son is due in six weeks, and I am trying to decide if Dad can handle a baby — will he hear him crying? Is it a safe situation?”

Grandfather with grandchildGary is one of many grandparents providing child care; however, hearing loss is not confined just to grandparents. Even younger caregivers may be starting to show the signs of hearing loss, especially those with a history of noise exposure (recreational or work-related), those taking medications that are toxic to the ear (such as some chemotherapy drugs) and musicians. Hearing loss will commonly start in the high frequencies. High-frequency hearing loss manifests as difficulty understanding speech in noise, hearing but not understanding and/or tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears). The good news is that there are solutions for caregivers of all ages with hearing loss.

Based on Gary’s hearing evaluation, hearing aids were recommended. He was pleasantly surprised at the comfort and size of the hearing instruments and found he was better able to understand his granddaughter’s speech, hear more clearly on the phone and was even able to take her to the playground and hear her call for him.

Hearing aids are not the only solution available. There are amplified telephones, available in landline and cordless options. There is even a visual alert system that can act as a baby monitor, alert one to a knock on the door or even act as a motion sensor — which is great when little ones become adventurous and try to wander outside unsupervised and great for alerting one to the presence of an intruder. Other assistive listening devices can alert to weather watches and warnings, smoke detectors and alarm clocks.

Gary and Gabby have continued to enjoy their play dates when Emily is at work, and Emily is much less worried and able to concentrate better on her job when she is away from Gabby. Now, all they need to do is work on getting the nursery set up at Grandpa’s house.

The audiologists at Novant Health are specialists in meeting the hearing healthcare needs of adults and children. To schedule an appointment, please call 704-316-1900.

*Names have been changed.