How elder care can improve quality of life for residents with hearing loss

Hearing loss is a common challenge among the elderly, and it can have a significant impact on their quality of life. By making simple but effective adjustments, elder care can improve the daily life for residents with hearing loss and ensure that they feel included, safe, and heard.

Create a good sound environment

Reduce background noise: An important measure to facilitate communication is to reduce background noise in common areas. This can mean muting the sound from televisions, radios, and other devices when not in use, as well as using rugs and curtains to absorb sound.
Use sound-absorbing materials: Installing sound-absorbing materials on walls and ceilings can reduce echoes and noise pollution, making it easier for people with hearing loss to hear conversations and other important sounds.

Adapt the communication

Communicate clearly: Staff should practice speaking clearly and slowly and using facial expressions and gestures to facilitate understanding. Making sure the face is visible and well lit when speaking helps those with hearing loss to lip read and interpret body language.
Use hearing technology: Ensure that residents have access to working hearing aids and that staff are trained in how to use and maintain them. Hearing technology like hearing loops can also be installed in common areas to improve sound quality for those using hearing aids.

Offer regular hearing checks

Regular hearing tests: By offering regular hearing checks, the staff can detect changes in hearing loss in time and adapt the care accordingly. This helps prevent further hearing problems and ensures that residents get the help they need.
Update hearing aids: If hearing loss is detected or worsens, it may be necessary to update or replace hearing aids. Staff should also be aware of new technology that can support hearing and improve communication.

Social activities adapted for the hearing impaired

Plan activities with hearing loss in mind: Activities like movie screenings, music events, and discussion groups can be adapted to be more inclusive for people with hearing loss. This can include using subtitles, sign language interpretation, or ensuring that the premises have good acoustics.
Promote participation: Encourage residents with hearing loss to participate in social activities and create opportunities for them to interact with others in a way that is comfortable for them. This can help reduce isolation and improve their mental well-being.

Educate staff and relatives

Education in hearing loss: By educating staff and relatives about how hearing loss affects residents, understanding can be increased and communication improved. The training should include information on how best to support and communicate with people who have hearing impairment.
Create awareness: Raise awareness of hearing loss among all residents and staff at the elder care. This can contribute to a more inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and involved.

Support in using hearing aids

Maintenance of hearing aids: Staff should regularly check and maintain hearing aids to ensure they function correctly. This includes changing batteries, cleaning the devices, and adjusting settings as needed.
Technical support: Offer technical support for residents using other types of hearing aids, such as hearing loops or sound amplifying tools. Quickly resolving technical issues reduces the risk of residents feeling isolated or frustrated.

Hearing loss always affects communication between people. By showing consideration and following some simple advice, you can facilitate for those with hearing loss.
- Look at the person you are speaking to. Make sure it is light so that your face is visible.  
- Be close to the person if needed.  
- Speak clearly, but do not shout.
- Repeat or say the same thing in different words if the resident does not understand.
- Ask open questions if you are unsure if the resident understood.
- Avoid talking several people at once.  
- Reduce disturbing background noise by closing the door and the TV.
- Check if needed that the hearing aid works. Try to learn how it should be handled, so you can help if needed.
- Remember that the hearing aid does not provide normal hearing.  
- Have paper available, write up if needed.  
- Important information is always given in writing.  

Do you have care instructions for how the hearing aid should be cleaned, how the batteries should be checked and how to adjust the volume. If the hearing aid is not used, if the batteries are dead or if it is incorrectly adjusted, it does no or worse benefit to the resident. It is so important and not so difficult. Who helps our elderly with filter and battery changes? It takes a minute but means that one can participate in the conversation.

Hearing impairments can for various reasons be perceived so seriously that they trigger crisis and grief reactions. Disabilities can be shameful and a conversation about a hearing impairment is rarely completely neutral for the resident.

Also read the article about Ljudhygien. Having a pleasant sound environment is even more important for those who have hearing loss and use hearing aids.  

Reflection questions - hearing:
Care staff:
- Do you have people with hearing loss in your housing?
- Have you found good ways to communicate?
- Are there instructions for how any hearing aids should be handled?

Manager, nurse, occupational therapist and physiotherapist:
- What can you do to facilitate communication for people with hearing loss?
- Do you provide written information to the residents?
- How do you work with the sound environment in the housing?

Residents and relatives:
- Does the housing have a good sound environment?
- Is communication carried out in a good and clear way?

Erland Olsson
Specialist Nurse
Sofrosyne - Better care every day.