How to Talk to Loved Ones About Hearing Aids or a Hearing Test When They are Hesitant

According to a study published in the International Journal of Audiology, 80% of adults between the ages of 55 and 74 who would benefit from wearing hearing aids don’t use them. Presbycusis or age related hearing loss occurs in 1 of 3 adults over 65 years of age. Presbycusis occurs very slowly over time and naturally occurs as we age in addition to the noise exposure we have endured in our life.

Without realizing it, we slowly begin to turn the volume up on hearing aids, move closer to people to hear better, or begin to lip read. And often, it is your frequent communication partner (FCP) that notices your hearing loss before you do. This is due to your loved ones having to adjust to your hearing needs. It is hard to have a real perception of your hearing loss when the people around you are making adjustments for you to hear them better such as raising their voice, talking slower, or repeating themselves.

For those with hearing aids, it is hard to imagine not having hearing aids as they are a crucial part of your life now, but there are many people who are hesitant of the idea. 

Common Concerns About Hearing Aids 

Vanity

Often times, people correlate hearing aids with older age. However, people of all ages wear hearing aids. Technology has advanced so much, hearing aids have a much smaller and sleeker look compared to the past. Hearing aids are typically matched to your hair, skin tone or glasses frame to be discreet as possible. 

Hard to use

Hearing aids are a new piece of technology that many have never experienced before. While the proper use of hearing aids can take time to learn, just as anything else, with practice makes perfect! Our audiologists are here to guide you the entire time and to review the information as many times as it takes to make sure you are set for success! 

Previous friend or family member disliking their hearing aids  

While the technology in the hearing aid itself is an important factor, it is even more important to have an audiologist that only incorporates best practices. The fine tuning of your hearing aids for your specific listening needs is vital and may take multiple appointments until it is perfect for you. 

Comfort  

Having a hearing aid in your ear canals is a new experience for you and may take some time getting used to. It is the job of the audiologist to find the perfect fit for the anatomy of your ear canals. With time and patience, you may even forget they are in your ears!

Here are some tips to help guide them to see an audiologist: 

• If you have hearing aids, explain your experience with them so they can hear your perspective and have a positive experience to reflect on. 
• Kindly speak to them about how their hearing loss is affecting the lives of others and possibly affecting your relationship with them.  
• Offer to go to their appointment with them. Inform them that it will simply be a hearing examination just to see where they are and if needed, they can even trial a pair of hearing aids.
• If they still decline, they may just need more time to process the idea. We are always here when they are ready! 
  

Please feel free to send this article to any of your loved ones that may need a boost of encouragement! If you have any other questions or concerns about hearing aids or the fitting process, contact us today!