Julie Raney is a certified and licensed audiologist. She has a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Audiology from Idaho State University. She has worked as a clinical audiologist in Colorado since 2005. She specializes in hearing amplification for adults and delivers her services in both English and Sign Language.

The Problem With Hearing Loss

There’s no doubt that hearing loss can make it challenging to stay socially active for a variety of reasons. Here are some of them:

Communication difficulties: People with hearing loss often have difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments, group settings, or when multiple people are speaking at the same time. This can cause them to feel left out, frustrated, and discouraged.
Fatigue and stress: Straining to hear and understand conversations can be exhausting and stressful, making social interactions more tiring and less enjoyable.
Stigma and embarrassment: Some people with hearing loss may feel embarrassed or ashamed of their condition, leading them to avoid social situations altogether.
Lack of accessibility: Many social activities, such as attending concerts or going to the movies, may not be accessible to people with hearing loss due to a lack of assistive technology or accommodations.

Although these are considerable hurdles, there are ways to stay connected with others. We have compiled a list of the top five activities for seniors with hearing loss:

Join a Senior Group

Joining a senior group is a great way to meet new people and stay active. These groups often offer activities like card games, arts and crafts, and exercise classes. While communication may be a bit more challenging, many groups have adapted to cater to those with hearing loss. You can also let the group leader know that you have hearing loss, so they can make accommodations for you.

Attend Live Performances

Watching live performances can be a thrilling experience. Even with hearing loss, you can still enjoy the excitement of the performance. Many theaters offer assisted listening devices that can amplify the sound directly to your ears. Additionally, you can sit closer to the stage to better hear and see the performers.

Engage in Physical Activities

Exercise is beneficial for your overall health and can be a fun way to socialize with others. You can join a gym, take a dance class, or participate in outdoor activities like hiking or swimming. With physical activities, you can communicate with gestures and facial expressions. You can also bring a friend or family member to join you, who can assist with communication.

Play Games

Playing games is a fun way to stay mentally sharp and active. You can play games like Scrabble, chess, or bingo with friends or family. These games allow you to communicate with gestures and writing. You can also play online games with closed captions or subtitles, which will make it easier to understand the dialogue.

Travel

Traveling is a wonderful way to see new places and experience different cultures. While it may be challenging to navigate new environments with hearing loss, there are still many ways to make it enjoyable. You can research your destination beforehand to learn about the local customs and attractions. Additionally, you can bring a travel companion who can assist with communication and navigation.

At our hearing practice, we understand the challenges that come with hearing loss. That’s why we believe that hearing aids are the best treatment for hearing loss. With modern hearing aids, you can enjoy a higher quality of life by improving your hearing and engaging in activities that bring you joy.

If you suspect you have hearing loss, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our hearing professionals. We offer comprehensive hearing evaluations and will work with you to find the best hearing solution for your individual needs. Don’t let hearing loss hold you back from enjoying life. Visit us today and start hearing better tomorrow.