Hearing Loss or Slowed Processing?

Family and friends often recognize when a change occurs with their loved one, but sometimes are unsure what they are noticing.  One way to decipher if there is a hearing problem or a slowed processing problem is to get in front of your loved one a speak clearly where they can see your mouth and be close enough to hopefully hear you.  If they can give you an quick response when they can see what you are saying and hear you, then you are dealing with a hearing loss.  If they seem to be able to hear but take a while to respond (more than 30 seconds), then a neurologist should be consulted and testing done.  Also, many hearing aide retailers will give free preliminary hearing tests to advise if a trip to the audiologist is needed.