Change

Many of us think about change, but many do not embrace change. We find change to be a bit unsettling and as we grow older we find routine to be more comfortable. 

Also, over time we have realized that it is not possible to significantly change our life, for better or for worse, by manipulating the material world. Not by working harder, not by studying longer, not by schmoozing, not by sweating, not by fasting, not by the hair of our chinny chin chin.  

Through time and many mistakes, we have found that great change is inescapable when we first begin manipulating the world of our thoughts.  Change your thoughts, change your life. Since we control our thoughts, then we control how and when we will change.

Hearing loss 2

Yesterday I was talking about hearing loss, and how it can be ignored.There are a number of professionals who can help if you think that you or someone you know has a hearing loss. 

These are:

The family doctor, if asked can do a quick, non invasive screening for hearing loss during a physical exam and refer the patient to a hearing professional (be sure to tell your doctor about any changes in hearing or difficulty in communication).

Hearing instrument practitioner/specialist. In BC they must have a college level diploma with 2-3 years hearing aid training. They typically work with adults and may be more accessible than audiologists in rural areas. They test hearing, recommend hearing aids and recommend other medical professionals when needed. In BC they must be registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC

Audiologist--Audiologists have a Master’s level degree, 6 years of university, 2-3 years’ audiology specific. They are trained in the study and treatment of the auditory and balance systems across the lifespan. They will perform hearing tests, prescribe and fit hearing aids, manage hearing loss and its symptoms and refer to other medical professionals when needed. They too must be registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC.

Ear, nose and throat doctor (otorhinolaryngologist) This Is a medical doctor specializing in ear, nose and throat concerns and to see them you must get a referral from your family doctor.

When you go to get your hearing test what can you expect?

While the first thing is that the test will be performed by a hearing instrument practitioner or an audiologist to determine the presence, degree and type of hearing loss.

The results are a measure of what the individual can hear and not how it affects their life; further discussion of your health and hearing history must take place

The hearing test can take 20 minutes to 1 hour. The instructions will tell you to press the button (or raise your hand) when you hear the beep.

Based on the client’s hearing loss, hearing needs and goals for communication, the professional may recommend a trial with hearing aids and other options available.

Everyone is different, but when I finally received my hearing aides, I experienced improved speech understanding in quiet situations; I was able to listen with less effort. My partner and friends could not speak normally to me without yelling or repeating themselves. Loud sounds were not longer scary or irritating. My hearing aid was comfortable and I was told it should not whistle while in the ear, it does not. I have found that sounds seem sharper and/or louder than before. 

I have three setting on my hearing aids, to make sure that hIgh levels of noise and competing sounds are not difficult

Batteries are a pain, and will have to be changed from every five days (my batteries) to every 1 to 3 weeks (other products).

You have to get used to a hearing aid and recognize that wearing it does not mean you will hear perfectly in every situation, just remember that neither does anyone else!

I have had my hearing aids for about a year and I have found that the more I wear my hearing aids the better I become.

Hearing aides are expensive, and one of the top reasons hearing aids are not pursued is their cost. Recognize that price is based on technology level, not style or colour.

Technology level refers to the way the hearing aid processes sound and the “bells and whistles” available. Shop around once you know you need a hearing aid. I did and found that COSTCO hearing aid centers, offered the best prices on the technology. There are two levels of technology for hearing aids,

Low technology $1100 to $1300 each ear, and this is best for someone who doesn’t need, or want, a whole lot of extras.

High technology $4000 to $6000 each ear, and is best for someone who is in a variety of challenging situations and wants to be ready for everything.

All clinics in BC must give the client a minimum 30 day trial from receipt of the hearing aids in which they can return it (minus a professional fee).

Ask the clinic about their dispensing fee and what is included: trial period, any fees   for returning the hearing aid, warranties and other services that are included (i.e. check-ups, counselling).

No universal coverage for hearing aids or tests is available in BC for adults.  However, it may pay to ask your hearing professional for information on funding options and help with the paperwork  For a list of subsidies across Canada, check www.chha.ca/chha/projects-funding.php

If you have a hearing loss and cannot get a hearing aid, here are some tips to help:

·       If you didn’t hear something, ask for it to be repeated but in different words and indicating the parts that you did hear

·       Be assertive and control the listening environment by giving suggesting of how others can help communication go more smoothly

·       Consider getting important points written down

·       Use visual or situational cues available to you (i.e. facial expressions, gestures)

If you know someone with a hearing loss, here are some tips to help you communicate better with them

·       Stand so the person can see your face; ensure good light is on your face

·       Gain their attention before speaking

·       Do not shout; attempt to talk normally and increase volume only as needed

·       Talk slowly and clearly but do not overly exaggerate

·       Empathize and be patient while easing the person’s listening

Hearing loss 1

I have a hearing loss, and I wear hearing aides, but it took me a long time to recognize the problem and to take steps to fix my problem. I think a lot of us as we grow older may be in denial about our hearing. So here is some information to help.

Hearing loss is the inability to hear soft sounds - it is the 3rd most common chronic disability among older adults (only arthritis and heart disease are more common) of Canadians who have a hearing loss include 56% of people from 55 to 64 years of age; 65% from 65 to 74; and 88% over 75.

Many people are unaware of their hearing loss, its severity and its effect on their lives and those around them. Up to 89% of people who would benefit from a hearing aid do not own one Hearing aid users have better mood and health, greater social participation and self sufficiency and less anxiety and depression than those with unmanaged healing loss.

Safety is compromised with hearing loss: the possibility of an accident increases by not hearing alarms, warning signals, doorbells or telephones Other common age-related changes in vision can make the communication difficulties of hearing loss even worse. Hearing loss is sometimes mistaken for depression or dementia and is not treated.

There are two types of hearing loss, Conductive and Sensorineural or “nerve deafness. Conductive hearing loss involves the middle ear - a disorder in sound transmission which interferes with sound waves progressing into the inner ear. This type of loss can be caused by wax, stiffening of the middle ear bones or perforated ear drum. It nay be treatable and reversible, sometimes requiring surgery, or by using hearing aids.

Sensorineural hearing loss involves the inner ear – a disorder of the cochlea (inner ear) or the nerves transmitting sound to the brain. It can be caused by noise exposure, aging, illness, medications or genetics. With this type of hearing loss, there is permanent damage to the inner ear, and the best treatment is often hearing aids. I have this type of hearing loss, which was caused by exposure to loud noise when I was young.

You can prevent of lessen hearing loss by limiting your exposure to noise and use hearing protection when you can’t avoid it. As we age, if we take folic acid and anti-oxidants; and reduce your calorie intake, this may slow down our hearing loss.

I was one of the 85% of people who did not recognize that I had a hearing loss. However, once I recognized that I had a problem, the warning signs seemed obvious, and  I regretted not taking action to fix my problem sooner. Some signs of hearing loss are:

·       Speech and other sounds seem faint or muffled

·       Speech from a distance or in noisy backgrounds is difficult to understand

·       Speech and other sounds seem distorted, slurred or unclear

·       Listening requires increased effort and attention

In addition to the above I had some of the following signs:

·       Volume of TV or radio was louder than others prefer

·       I was asking for repetition more often

·       I was accused of ignoring conversation partners or dominating the conversation

Some people with hearing loss will also withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities and appear to be confused and will give inappropriate responses to questions or conversations. If a person you love is experiencing hearing loss, but does not seem/want to acknowledge he issue, you have to approach them, but be patient, understanding and supportive by helping the individual realize the impact their hearing problem has on the lives of those around them – in a nonthreatening, non accusing way. Suggest booking a hearing test to rule out or identify the type of hearing loss

What about falling?

We fall, and falling is not a remote possibility for seniors.  It is likely to happen. However, when a person falls he or she needs to have a plan in place to get help. My mother-in-law fell and we thought she was okay, three weeks later, she was in the hospital with a concussion. Falls are the leading cause of injuries among older Canadians and the sixth leading cause of death. Among seniors, falls are responsible for:

·       40% of residential care admissions

·       84% of injury-related hospitalizations

·       90% of hip fractures; 50% of these never regain pre-fall functioning and 20% die within a year of the fracture

Each year 1/3 of seniors fall at least once and are then 3 times more likely to fall again. Note that 50% of people who fracture their hips NEVER regain pre-fall functioning. 

Why do seniors fall? Well, it is because of decreased strength, stability and confidence. Women are 3 times more likely than men to be hospitalized for a fall-related injury. The older you are, the more likely you will fall and be seriously injured.

Almost half of all fall injuries occur in your home doing daily activities

In Canada, health care for seniors injured by falls costs at least $2 billion per year

In BC, falls among seniors cost more than $180 million each year

So what kind of injury can occur when seniors fall:

There were in 2014, 3,100 hip fractures – the most frequent injury, and 10,000 hospitalizations due to falls in Canada.

Other costs that cannot be measured in dollars when seniors fall are the pain and suffering and perhaps permanent disabilities, along with loss of independence & reduced quality of life, that may come with admission to long term care and finally the damaging effects on families.

Half of falls occur in the home so here are some steps to take to reduce the possibilities of a fall at home

·       Remove clutter from walkways and stairs

·       Install and use grab bars and handrails

·       Increase wattage of light bulbs to 100 or more

·       Eliminate high contrast lighting areas

·       Use night lights and/or motion-activated lights

·       Clean up spills in the kitchen and bathroom immediately

·       Use step stools and/or reachers; even better, keep items you use often within easy reach

·       Reorganize all cords that go across areas where you walk