Encouraging a Loved One to Take a Hearing Test

Encouraging a Loved One to Take a Hearing Test

Strong relationships require great communication. That’s why it’s so challenging to watch a loved one struggle with hearing loss. Not only are they having a hard time hearing, your relationship may not be as strong as it used to be. Hearing loss can have a big impact on your loved one but they may not be willing to seek help. Here are some tips for how to encourage a loved one to take a hearing test.

Identify the Signs of Hearing Loss

Before you talk to your loved one about hearing loss, watch for these common signs of hearing loss. You want to be sure your loved one does have hearing loss, and that you have some specific examples of times they’ve had a hard time hearing. Signs of hearing loss can include:

  • Cranking up the volume on the radio or the TV
  • Asking you to repeat yourself
  • Failing to notice when you talk to them from another room
  • Avoiding answering the phone because they can’t hear phone conversations
  • Failing to hear the beeping of the microwave 
  • Refusing to go to social events because they’re embarrassed that they can’t hear

If you’ve noticed any of these signs of hearing loss, make a mental note of the times these things have happened. You can use them as examples when you encourage your loved one to take a hearing test.

Do Some Research

Before you approach your loved one about their hearing loss, do some research. Find out as much as you can about hearing loss. Read about the different kinds of hearing loss, what causes hearing loss, and what the common treatment options are. The more information you have, the easier it will be to talk to your loved one. When you have the answers to their questions, you can encourage them to take a hearing test.

Pick A Good Time to Talk

Choosing the right time to talk to your loved one about their hearing loss is important. Don’t bring up their hearing loss when either of you are feeling frustrated or upset. Pick a time to talk when you’re both feeling calm, and you’re not in a rush.

Where you have the conversation is also important. For example, don’t have the conversation in a crowded coffee shop. Start the conversation at home where it’s quiet and you both feel comfortable. Finally, turn off the radio or the TV so it’s quiet and you can both focus on the conversation.

Listen to Your Loved One

Even if your loved one has been denying their hearing loss, they know something isn’t right. They probably feel some frustration that they can’t hear as well as they used to. They may feel angry that people around them are mumbling all the time, or they may feel fear about admitting that they have hearing loss. Take the time to listen to your loved one. Let them know you’re on the same team and you want what’s best for them. 

Talk to a Friend with Hearing Loss

One in five adults in the US have hearing loss, so chances are you have a friend or acquaintance who has hearing loss. Ask your friend if they’d be willing to talk to you. Hearing how a friend has overcome the challenges of hearing loss can help your loved one feel ready to take a hearing test.

Offer Your Support

It can be scary to face new situations alone. You can encourage your loved one to take a hearing test by reviewing the steps of a hearing test to help familiarize them with the process. 

Hearing tests take less than an hour. During the hearing test we’ll ask your loved ones some questions about their lifestyle. This helps us find out what kinds of programs they’ll need in their hearing aids. Next, we’ll look at their ears to make sure their ears are healthy. Finally, we’ll perform several hearing tests, and your loved one will indicate when they hear a sound. After the test, the results are shown on an audiogram that makes it easy to see exactly what sounds your loved one can’t hear.

The first step in treating hearing loss is to schedule a hearing test. We’re here to help you and your loved ones! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.