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How to talk to your loved ones about their hearing lossPublished: Tuesday January 25, 2011, 22:08If you are feeling uncomfortable about telling a friend or loved one that you think they have a hearing loss, you are not alone. If you’ve already told them, and they’re being stubborn about getting a hearing assistance, what can you do? What's the best way to approach this often awkward subject?
First, be kind. Many of us may have experienced the frustration of having to repeat ourselves to a loved one with a hearing loss. However, it’s important to remember to always try and keep your displeasure to yourself - you want to be helpful, not hurtful.
Second, do some research on different types of hearing aids, consult with reputable hearing professionals, and visit various websites on hearing loss. Talk to others who may have been in the same situation. Providing good information, not criticism, will go a long way towards making your loved one feel more secure.
Next, offer to accompany them on their visit to the audiologist for a hearing test. Going through the process with them will help them to be more receptive to change. By taking notes and asking questions, you can help them get the important information they need on different types of hearing aids, styles, fitting, and more.
In addition, it’s important to offer help with the routine of daily hearing aid maintenance. Modern hearing instruments are highly sophisticated electronic devices, and while daily maintenance should only take a few minutes, it’s important that users take the time to do it consistently. By offering assistance with cleaning, battery changes, and other simple but necessary tasks, you will be offering help that is of real value.
If possible, offer assistance with the costs as well. Many people are taking care of aging parents, or know someone who’s experiencing hearing loss, regardless of age. Make inquiries with your hearing professional about payment plans, possible insurance coverage, and other financing options. Also, don’t overlook the internet as a resource to help you do some comparative shopping – it’s not unusual for savvy buyers to end up saving many hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on top quality hearing aids.
Discuss with your loved one the problems that hearing loss can cause – not just with him or her, but also with the people around them. Often, those who are experiencing hearing loss are less productive, may have trouble socializing well with others, and may even experience depression. Explaining to your loved one that you want a good quality of life for them may make them less resistant to wearing a hearing aid.
And remember, to make it easier for everyone involved, try to be understanding and avoid complaints – that the TV is too loud, or that you need to repeat yourself, again. Not only do feelings get hurt, but you may actually be taking a few steps backwards in your campaign to get them the help they need.
The bottom line is, you want your friends or family members to be able to hear and enjoy all the things you do. By taking a proactive approach to the situation, arming yourself with current information, and above all, being understanding and considerate, everyone involved will surely be able to see positive results.
First, be kind. Many of us may have experienced the frustration of having to repeat ourselves to a loved one with a hearing loss. However, it’s important to remember to always try and keep your displeasure to yourself - you want to be helpful, not hurtful.
Second, do some research on different types of hearing aids, consult with reputable hearing professionals, and visit various websites on hearing loss. Talk to others who may have been in the same situation. Providing good information, not criticism, will go a long way towards making your loved one feel more secure.
Next, offer to accompany them on their visit to the audiologist for a hearing test. Going through the process with them will help them to be more receptive to change. By taking notes and asking questions, you can help them get the important information they need on different types of hearing aids, styles, fitting, and more.
In addition, it’s important to offer help with the routine of daily hearing aid maintenance. Modern hearing instruments are highly sophisticated electronic devices, and while daily maintenance should only take a few minutes, it’s important that users take the time to do it consistently. By offering assistance with cleaning, battery changes, and other simple but necessary tasks, you will be offering help that is of real value.
If possible, offer assistance with the costs as well. Many people are taking care of aging parents, or know someone who’s experiencing hearing loss, regardless of age. Make inquiries with your hearing professional about payment plans, possible insurance coverage, and other financing options. Also, don’t overlook the internet as a resource to help you do some comparative shopping – it’s not unusual for savvy buyers to end up saving many hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on top quality hearing aids.
Discuss with your loved one the problems that hearing loss can cause – not just with him or her, but also with the people around them. Often, those who are experiencing hearing loss are less productive, may have trouble socializing well with others, and may even experience depression. Explaining to your loved one that you want a good quality of life for them may make them less resistant to wearing a hearing aid.
And remember, to make it easier for everyone involved, try to be understanding and avoid complaints – that the TV is too loud, or that you need to repeat yourself, again. Not only do feelings get hurt, but you may actually be taking a few steps backwards in your campaign to get them the help they need.
The bottom line is, you want your friends or family members to be able to hear and enjoy all the things you do. By taking a proactive approach to the situation, arming yourself with current information, and above all, being understanding and considerate, everyone involved will surely be able to see positive results.
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