When Was Your Dad’s Last Hearing Test?

During a routine doctor’s appointment, doctors will listen to the heart and lungs. They may draw blood to check for conditions like high cholesterol and diabetes. One thing isn’t as commonly checked and that’s the hearing.

Elder Care in Reston VA: Dad’s Hearing Test

Age-related hearing loss is a real concern.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates about half of all men and women 75 or older have trouble hearing sounds like people talking, phones or doorbells ringing, or smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide alarms going off.

As most medical examinations only cover the hearing loss if it’s brought up, it’s important for you to make sure your dad does get hearing tests regularly. It’s recommended that adults 50 or older ask for a hearing test every three to five years. Has your dad has his hearing checked recently?

What Happens During a Hearing Test?

There are free online hearing tests. They’re good and can help determine if there might be a problem. They’re not the same as a professional test, however. You can have your dad take one to get an idea where his hearing is, but he should also see a doctor.

The first stage of a professional hearing test is to answer a questionnaire about your dad’s health history and things that may have damaged his hearing, such as being around loud machines for work. Next, he’ll have the doctor examine his ears. The doctor is looking for a build-up of wax that might be blocking the eardrum. The next step is to wear headphones or earbuds and listen to sounds that determine what frequencies and tones are heard.

If a problem is detected, the doctor will discuss solutions. If there is too much earwax, removing that may restore hearing. If there are damage and permanent hearing loss, surgical solutions and hearing aids are often recommended.

Is It Time for Caregivers?

Most seniors can manage day-to-day activities without too many changes when hearing loss is diagnosed. Hearing aids can help, but they may not be affordable. If your dad’s hearing is bad enough that he can’t hear horns, train signals, or sirens, he needs to stop driving. He’s risking himself and others if he can’t hear.

At this point, caregivers are essential. Your dad may not be able to drive, but he can still be active. Caregivers can drive him to senior centers, local businesses, and his friends’ houses. Learn more about transportation services by making a call.

Are you or a loved-one considering Elder Care in Reston, VA?  Please call the caring staff at Medical Professionals On Call today. Contact: 703-273-8818

Sources:

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/

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Michelle DeFilippis

I graduated with a BS degree and had been selling medical equipment to hospitals, clinics and technicians. More recently, a family member was diagnosed with dementia and we, as a family, realized we were not prepared t care for her. We were thrown into that whirlpool of hospital stays, 24/7 live-in care, skilled care, caring for mom ourselves and finally, now daily home care. This was such a stressful time that I started thinking there had to be other people, other families as overwhelmed and unprepared as we were.

Medical Professionals On Call has such a caring, professional staff who are available to step in with whatever level of care necessary for loved ones and to relieve you of that stress.

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