Hearing Loss in Older Relatives: Signs Families Miss (Video)

Transcript

Silent TV Climb

Ever notice the TV getting louder without anyone saying a word? That tiny climb can be the first sign of hearing loss slipping by.

Quiet TV Volume Rise

Ammi keeps turning the TV up a notch every few months. It’s a slow creep, and usually only a guest points out that it’s too loud. It often goes unnoticed until a neighbor remarks.

Signs Families Miss

You might hear a pattern: the TV or phone volume keeps climbing over months, not days. They often ask ‘kya kaha’ in noisy rooms, but sound fine one-on-one. Lips become their new focus, and jokes land a beat late because they caught only half the punchline. They may also ask to repeat stories they already heard.

Observation Checklist

Spend a week noting how the TV or phone volume measures against six months ago. At dinner, tally how often they ask you to repeat something. Notice if they understand better face-to-face than in a bustling group. And ask, ‘Do you feel people have started mumbling more?’ instead of a blunt ‘Can you hear?’ They might also seem distracted during TV commercials.

Why Aids Refused

Even after a test shows loss, many elders push back. They may say, ‘I hear fine, everyone just mumbles.’ Some fear the device will make them look old in front of grandchildren. Others worry about cost or simply hope they’ll get used to it on their own. Some worry it will make them feel dependent.

Traditional View

Classic Unani and Ayurvedic texts view age-related hearing changes as a natural drying of tissues. They suggest warm oil massage around the ear and a strengthening diet. These are cultural practices, not a replacement for a proper hearing check or aid when needed. These practices are gentle and promote overall ear health.

Myths vs Reality

A common myth is that hearing aids are only for the almost deaf. In truth, they work best when fitted early, at the first confirmed stage. Shouting doesn’t help; it distorts speech and tightens facial muscles, making lip reading harder. And while hearing loss is common with age, it isn’t something to ignore. Early intervention can improve social confidence and safety.

When to See Doctor

If hearing loss happens suddenly, is only on one side, comes with pain, discharge, or follows a head injury, seek medical help right away. Also, avoid cleaning ears with cotton buds or candles, as they can push wax deeper or injure the canal. Professional cleaning by a doctor can safely remove wax.

Take Care

For more details, read the full post at thecareonline.com, remember, this is general advice, not medical diagnosis.