As we age, hearing loss becomes increasingly common, and it is easy to confuse the symptoms with dementia due to their similarities. Research shows us that the risk of developing dementia is higher in individuals experiencing hearing loss; both conditions can co-exist in an individual. Some factors thought to contribute to dementia include the impact of social isolation because of hearing loss, so it is essential to be aware of how they interact with one another. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the many factors that are affected when dementia and hearing loss overlap and sharing some tips to help you improve how you care for and approach people with these conditions.
Misdiagnosis
Firstly, it is important to note that because of the significant overlaps in symptoms, hearing loss in the elderly can be mistaken for dementia. For example, when hearing loss and dementia progress, so can changes in behaviour for the person living with them. Being unable to understand what others are saying can leave the person in a constant state of confusion, which may be mistaken for dementia. This misdiagnosis is more likely to happen to those living with undiagnosed hearing loss. To prevent this, get your hearing checked every two years and encourage your loved ones to do the same. The sooner hearing loss is identified, the better.
Communication
Due to their similarities, the methods you would implement to communicate with someone with dementia or hearing loss are the same. Because it can be confusing for people with hearing loss or dementia, clear communication is key. There are general considerations to make, such as slowing down when speaking and reducing background noise, but a few basic rules can go a long way:
- Get their attention visually before speaking to someone with hearing loss and dementia. This can look like waving, so they can notice you in their peripheral or approaching them from the front. Avoid coming up from behind and tapping them, because this can scare them or put them in shock as they wouldn’t be able to hear you coming.
- Try not to repeat yourself. If the person mishears you, certain vowels and consonants may be difficult for them to hear, so repeating the same sentence and over-explaining may cause more confusion. Instead, rephrase what you’re trying to say using different words, hand signs or writing it down.
Sensory Overload
If someone has dementia, their brain may find it difficult to process their surroundings. This can be further amplified when they are hard of hearing, making it easy for them to become overwhelmed. If possible, you can improve the situation by:
- Reducing any background noise.
- Asking those around you to speak a little quieter.
- Observing their body language for any indication of discomfort.
Short-Term Memory
It can be difficult for a person with dementia to adapt to change. Learning new routines and getting used to new equipment, such as hearing aids, may be more challenging and take them longer to do. But as a carer, you can do a lot to support and reassure them during a transition process.
For example, positive reinforcement and the reassurance that you’re there to support them can go a long way. Remember, your support is essential to their success. Always consider their mood and the time of day when teaching them something new, as their ability to receive information can be hindered by these.
Logic & Reasoning
Dementia can cause the frontal lobe tissue of the brain to shrink, altering executive functions like personality and a person’s ability to use logic and reasoning. Where hearing loss is concerned, this can manifest as a person not taking precautions to improve their situation, even when they know it’s good for them.
For example, they may understand that wearing their hearing aid will give them a more comfortable experience, help them to enjoy their day and they may even prefer wearing it. However, due to that lack of logic and reasoning, they may still decide not to wear it or even refuse. In this instance, exercising patience and being supportive are crucial when explaining the value of doing something that will improve their quality of life. The last thing you want to do is force them to do something they don’t want to do, as this may put them off the idea entirely.
When it comes to any special needs, we must exercise care when interacting with others, especially when their conditions aren’t visible. The average person isn’t at fault for being unfamiliar with the sensitive needs of people with hearing loss and dementia, but they can happen to any of us. The more we understand them, the easier it will be to advocate for care for ourselves and one another.
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH ENGAGE
At SweetTree, we incorporate these practices into the care we provide, and we’ve partnered with Engage to develop specialist hearing loss training for our support workers. If you wish to find out how we care for our clients with dementia or hearing loss and access more useful dementia care resources, contact us today.