Treating hearing loss can help people with Alzheimer’s communicate better, which can improve quality of life, says Hsu. Depending on your goals and needs, you can choose between hearing aids or other devices.
Pick a Hearing Aid
When choosing a hearing aid, your provider can help you navigate the best option for your hearing loss type and severity.
You may also want to think about factors like cost, style, and other features like Bluetooth capability and volume that adjusts automatically depending on your surroundings.
Build a Wear and Care Routine
It may take some time to get used to a hearing aid.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by too much sound all at once, says Perez, who recommends trying your hearing aid in quieter environments first.
“Individuals who have Alzheimer’s are about twice as likely to give up using their hearing aids during the first year,” says Hsu.
You can help yourself remember by building hearing aid use into your normal morning routine, just as you would with glasses, she says. “A family member can help with reminders.”
It’s also important to clean your hearing aid because wax and moisture can affect how well it works. Wipe it every day with a soft cloth, and clean wax buildup with a soft brush once a week.
Check In and Ask for Help
If your hearing aids feel uncomfortable or you don’t think that they’re helping, talk to your audiologist to see if the fit or settings need adjusting, says Hsu.
At follow-up visits, your hearing specialist can make sure your hearing aid is working as it should.
“And if cost or small controls are a barrier, say so, because they need to work for your daily life,” says Hsu.
Consider Other Assistive Technology
“If prescription hearing aids are too expensive or not comfortable, over-the-counter hearing amplifiers can also be tried,” says Hsu. One assistive listening device, called a hearing loop, sends sound from a microphone to a metal coil in a receiver — a device you wear or hold to your ear.
Other assistive devices send sound to a receiver through:
- Bluetooth
- FM radio
- Infrared light
- Wi-Fi
Many video call providers, streaming services, and even cinemas offer closed captioning, which allows you to read what is being said on-screen.
Some mobile apps also offer assisted listening solutions.
Source link