Most of us will suffer some degree of hearing loss as we grow older. Hearing loss can range from a mildly annoying nuisance to a dangerous impairment. Persons who are losing their hearing will find it harder to have conversations with family and friends, listen to their favorite music, or chat on the phone. They can also be at risk if they can't hear a smoke detector or fire alarm. Living independently can be a challenge for elderly persons who are going deaf. Here are some ways that you can help your parent deal with hearing loss.

Talk more slowly and more clearly. Speaking loudly doesn't always make it easier for your parent to hear you - sometimes the speed of conversation is the problem. Slow down and enunciate your words so your parent can understand and process what you are saying. Remind other persons to do this as well.

Face your parent and speak directly to him so he can see you talking. Persons with impaired hearing often learn to read lips quite well. In fact, most of us do this to some extent, using both auditory and visual cues to understand conversation at a noisy party, for example. Get your parent's attention before you speak, don't hide your mouth with your hands, and don't turn away from your parent when talking to him.

Talk in quiet places. Stay away from crowds if you want to have a conversation with your parent. He or she may be able to hear you in a quiet room, but the hubbub in a crowded restaurant or busy store can drown out your voice.

Consider a hearing aid. Hearing aids are an effective means of overcoming hearing loss, if your parent is willing and able to wear one. A hearing aid amplifies sounds to make them louder and more distinct to the wearer. Today's technologically advanced hearing aids are small and barely noticeable to other people. Although this is a benefit to most wearers, some elderly persons may have trouble caring for a tiny hearing aid or may even misplace it. Make sure your parent understands how to use the device, and if necessary help him or her to keep it clean and in working order. Hearing aids can be quite expensive, but some insurance plans will cover a part of the cost.

Turn up the volume. TVs, radios, telephone ringers, and hearing aids all have adjustable volume controls. For those who have a hard time carrying on a phone conversation, you can find special devices that attach to the phone earpiece and amplify the sound. These devices are portable and can be used in a hotel or a hospital or while staying in other people's homes. A cordless phone that your parent can keep close by as he moves around the house is another option.

Use sight and motion to replace sound. If your parent can't hear the doorbell, look for a doorbell that flashes instead of rings. You can buy a receiver for each room or a portable receiver that your parent may carry around.

A smoke detector alarm could save your parent's life, but not if he or she can't hear it. Buy an alarm with a flashing strobe light as well as an audible signal. For extra safety, get one with a small accessory unit that goes under the pillow and vibrates when the alarm is sounded.

Closed-captioning is available on all new TVs and can easily be activated or deactivated using the TV remote.

Do a little exploring in medical supply stores or online, and you'll discover many devices to assist hearing-impaired persons. With a little help from you (and the right technology), your parent with hearing loss will be able to manage his or her daily activities more safely and more enjoyably.