Mother is nearly 97, registered blind and has a broken arm which is not knitting together. She has mild cognitive decline, hallucinates due to macular degeneration (Charles Bonnet Syndrome) and surprisingly no dementia.
Nippin56: Whether she is classified as 'legally blind' or 'completely blind' may be a moot point. In regard to Charles Bonnet Syndrome, the hallucinations are specifically visual. However, and I quote from google "When a person starts to lose their sight, their brain doesn't receive as much information as it used to." That said, perhaps her retinologist in conjuction with a neurologist could determine the change in her auditory tone.
Sounds like time to check hearing as well as a good physical. I have had patients with neurological problems that talk softly. I also have patients who adjust "their volume" based on their hearing.
She cold be having some difficulty breathing which is common at that age. I wouldn't be too concerned about this. If she made it to 97, certain imperfections in her overall health would be acceptable.
I've seen people speak quietly as an attention getter. If people can't hear me because I'm taking quietly on purpose, then they will be all the more attentive so that they can hear what I'm saying.
My DH would literally whisper/ mumble because he was simply SO exhausted and "no one understood" his issues. Early in our marriage, I would play the good wife and "Oh please honey, speak up so I can hear you and help you." I heaped attention on him for nothing more than his own mumbling.
He got TONS of attention from pretending his situation was so bad that he simply didn't have the strength to speak louder.... So sad.
I am now an experienced wife who has learned to say "Sorry honey... I can't hear you. If what you're saying is truly of substance, I'm sure you can repeat it louder so that I can understand it and help you."
His whispering/mumbling is now considerably less. I refused to play the game.
I wonder if she has a hearing problem. Sometimes elderly people say that their hearing goes in and out, which a hearing expert might be able to explain. Hearing aids are a marvelous thing.
My DH would literally whisper/ mumble because he was simply SO exhausted and "no one understood" his issues. Early in our marriage, I would play the good wife and "Oh please honey, speak up so I can hear you and help you." I heaped attention on him for nothing more than his own mumbling.
He got TONS of attention from pretending his situation was so bad that he simply didn't have the strength to speak louder.... So sad.
I am now an experienced wife who has learned to say "Sorry honey... I can't hear you. If what you're saying is truly of substance, I'm sure you can repeat it louder so that I can understand it and help you."
His whispering/mumbling is now considerably less. I refused to play the game.