Tinnitus, which is described as a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears, can be a difficult condition to manage, particularly for seniors. Not only does the ringing make it difficult to focus at times, but it might also impact seniors’ ability to get a good night’s sleep, which then impacts their functioning the following day. Plus, the ringing has the ability to cause frustration, which might lead to seniors’ responses being shorter than normal or their withdrawal from social situations so they don’t react negatively. There are ways, however, for loved ones and companion care at home providers to help.
What Is Tinnitus?
Knowing how to help seniors with tinnitus starts with understanding what it is. Tinnitus is a medical issue that is defined by the sensation of hearing noises in the ears even when there is no sound coming from outside. These phantom noises are often described as ringing—as mentioned above—buzzing, hissing, or roaring.
Tinnitus is frequently associated with hearing loss, but it can also result from a variety of other factors, such as exposure to loud noise, underlying medical conditions, or aging-related changes in auditory function.
With a solid understanding of how tinnitus affects seniors, loved ones and companion care at home providers can offer support and empathy. At the same time, they can also empower seniors to better manage their tinnitus symptoms and enhance their day-to-day lives by increasing their own knowledge of the condition.
How Does Tinnitus Affect Seniors?
As mentioned, tinnitus has the potential to cause feelings of frustration and isolation in a significant number of seniors. This can be especially detrimental since seniors are already at risk for decreased socialization. Also mentioned were the most common ways the condition affects seniors, including a disruption in focus, sleep, and increased irritability.
In addition, the emotional toll that comes with living with tinnitus should not be ignored. Seniors can experience feelings of anxiety or depression as they struggle to cope with the persistent ringing in their ears. During these trying times, it is essential for loved ones and companion care at home professionals to not only provide support and understand seniors but also be patient as they try to navigate the best way to handle the situation.
It might also be beneficial to encourage seniors to talk with their medical team and an audiologist to see what advice they have for handling the situation. In essence, building a strong support system for seniors with tinnitus helps them feel heard and understood.
How Can Family Members Help?
Loved ones must provide seniors with support and understanding while they are dealing with tinnitus. Family members can make a big difference in this condition’s impact on their loved ones by being patient listeners, creating a peaceful environment, encouraging relaxation techniques, and assisting them in seeking expert assistance when required. Companion care at home providers can help when family caregivers can’t be there.
Tinnitus can occur at various stages of life, but for seniors, the addition of this condition, along with other changes they’re navigating, can be tough. However, with the help of loved ones and companion care at home services, they can take steps toward better management of tinnitus and hopefully increase their overall well-being.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Southern Pines, NC, please contact the caring staff at Affordable Family Care.
Serving Raleigh, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call today at (919) 676-1070
Sources:
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/tips-to-manage-tinnitus
- https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/tips-for-living-with-tinnitus.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350162
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