Spatial or directional hearing problems in Lewy Body diseases

Posted by nelms @nelms, Jun 26 9:42pm

My husband has MCI due to Lewy Bodies. He has visual spatial difficulties, so is not driving at this time. But he has also just begun to have directional/spatial hearing issues as well. He has difficulty discerning where my voice is coming from, though I am within 10-15 feet of him in the house.
Anybody else have experience with this?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 4 9:20am

@nelms, I'm tagging members like @larryh123 @teacher502 @kellywilbanks @dem2301 @jen26 @virginianaeve, who have experience with Lewy body-related cognitive impairment as a person living with MCI or as a caregiver. They may have some insights to share about directional or spatial hearing issues.

You might also appreciate this discussion that Larry started a little while back:
- Communicating Challenges With Lewy Body and Dementia
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/communicating-challenges-with-lewy/
Nelms, I can see where the driectional hearing issue adds an extra challenge with communication. Do you have to ensure he is looking at you in order to communicate? What tips have helped?

wallema55 | @wallema55 | Jul 7 5:51am

Hi Nelms. Yes, my DW diagnosed with LBD also has difficulty with where sounds are coming from. Hers is most often hearing the doorbell. She likes to watch old game shows on TV and some have a ding when a correct answer is given and she always says someone's at the door. Another thought, my DW. is sort of paranoid if I am not sitting right by her side. I have learned to tell her where I am going ie. I am going to the kitchen for just a minute to get a glass of tea. This seems to calm her and reassure her I will return. This journey makes us all try different things to see what works for our LO. Maybe your DH is anxious if he can't see you. Just a thought for what it's worth.