How Can I Help A Loved One With Hearing Loss?

Have you noticed a loved one isn’t hearing so well? Do you find you have to repeat yourself? Is the TV reaching an uncomfortable volume? It is likely your loved one is one of over 28 million American adults who could benefit from hearing aids, but how do you tell them that?

Do some research

Before you have what could be a difficult conversation with your loved one, you might want to do some research first. Having some information to back you up can make things easier, and it will show your loved one that you care enough to spend your time finding ways to help them.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders has lots of statistics available if your loved one is a person who responds to facts and figures. You could also find some information about the latest hearing aids. There are many different styles available now, all of them much smaller and more discreet than they used to be.

Be empathetic

Before you start nagging your loved one about getting a hearing test, stop and think about how they must be feeling. Having a hearing loss can be very isolating, and people can easily become depressed and withdraw into themselves. A good way to start the conversation is by bringing up changes you’ve noticed in them and express your concern. Ask them if they’ve noticed any changes themselves, and how they feel about it.

Get support from family and friends

While you don’t want to overwhelm your loved one, some help from family or friends can go a long way. Get them to explain how your loved one’s hearing loss affects them. This will help to show your loved one that it isn’t just them that’s affected by this problem. Some people are more likely to take action if they think it will help others.

Make it a joint effort

A great way to encourage your loved one to have a hearing test is to join them. If they are nervous, you being there to support them will help. They will feel less vulnerable and targeted if you make it a joint venture. You never know, you may find that you could benefit from treatment too. You could even get the whole family involved – no matter what age they are, a hearing health check-up is a good thing to do.

We can help

Here at Big Thicket Hearing Aids & Audiology, we have lots of experience in dealing with people who are new to hearing loss. Dr. Joni Ruiz, our Audiologist, can give you and your loved one a thorough examination and show you our range of hearing aids. Call (409) 751-2590 to schedule a hearing test in Lumberton, Texas, and help your loved one regain their hearing.