The Gift of Sound: How To Get Your Loved One to Wear a Hearing Aid

Over 36 million Americans suffer from some type of hearing loss. However, only 20% of that segment of the population who could benefit from the use of a hearing aid chooses to wear one. By not acknowledging the need to wear a hearing aid can be detrimental to the hearing loss suffers’ relationships; leading to disagreements, misunderstandings, and loss of patience from those around him/her.

So how do you encourage your loved one to get their hearing checked and/or consider wearing a hearing aid if needed?

• Discuss with your loved one just how their hearing loss impacts their life and those around them.
• Share some facts; researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Aging found that even mild hearing loss was associated with twice the risk for dementia and those with severe hearing loss were five times more likely to develop dementia.
• Be understanding; talk with them about their confusion, anger or lack of self-esteem from the changes in their life due to their hearing loss.
• Show empathy if they are feeling depressed, anxious, withdrawn or lonely; but explain that there is no need to confine themselves to a self-imposed prison of isolation.
• Employ some tough love; don’t always rush to repeat yourself or what others are saying. This may only enable their lack of motivation in coming to terms with their hearing loss and prevent them from getting help. It’s important to let them know you are doing this out of genuine; not out of spite or vindictiveness.
• Videotape a situation, such as a family function, where he/she struggles to hear, and then view it together privately, as not shame them.
• If they complain about how they will look, assure them you will still find them just as attractive. Today’s models are less intrusive and smaller than they formerly were. After all, their inability to hear is more noticeable and can be bothersome to others.
• Fear of the unknown? Read What to Expect During Your Appointment and First Hearing Test together.
• Don’t let cost be their excuse; the holidays are rapidly approaching, family or friends can show their appreciation, love, and concern with an amazing gift of hearing.

Hearing impacts one’s quality of life, whether it’s career, relationships, physical or mental health. Annual hearing tests should be part of everyone’s health regiment. Treat any hearing loss before it turns into something bigger. CALL the specialists at Cedar Crest ENT to schedule a hearing appointment today, 610-770-9797!