Talking to a loved one about his or her hearing loss is one of the most difficult conversations a person can have. It is very common to notice a loved one’shearing decline gradually, and it often causes people to be unaware of the problem or to minimize its impact. The fact that you (and probably others) have noticed the hearing loss means it’s time to do something about it. Following are
five suggested steps to help you through the process.
Step 1: Recognize the personal health consequences
Hearing loss can have a profound impact on various aspects of physical and mental health. Notably, numerous studies have connected hearing loss to dementia, depression and injurycausing falls. Unfortunately, the longer hearing loss goes untreated, the greater the risk of experiencing one or more of these serious, life-altering health issues. In addition, hearing loss often leads to social
withdrawal. While this may seem relatively harmless, socially isolated individuals frequently experience loneliness.
Step #2: Point out the impact on others
Hearing loss is often more obvious to family members and friends than it is to
the person experiencing it. Maybe you’ve noticed that your loved one:
- Frequently asks you to repeat yourself
- Relies on you to be their “ears” in social situations
- Listens to the TV or radio at a volume that’s too loud for you
- Avoids large family gatherings and other noisy settings
These behaviors are more than just annoying — they can detract from the quality of life of both you and your loved one.
Step #3: Be compassionate and empathetic
It can be very frustrating to live with someone who has hearing loss, and you may be tempted to lecture or lash out. However, using compassion and empathy will help you have more meaningful conversations about the effects of their hearing loss.
Step #4: Make a hearing test appointment
Once your loved one has acknowledged their hearing loss and has accepted the need for professional help, it’s time to make an appointment with a hearing health care provider.
Frame the appointment in the context of finding out exactly what’s going on with their hearing and what the solution may be. It’s important that you accompany your loved one to the appointment, because the provider will want to get your perspective on their hearing loss and its impact on your everyday life.
CHRISTUS Health Plan Generations (HMO) offers a hearing benefit through Amplifon. Be sure to schedule an appointment with one of our participating providers. The Amplifon program includes follow-up care to help your loved one make a smooth transition to their new hearing aids, as well as a supply of batteries (or charging station) and a 3-year warranty covering loss, repairs or
damage.
Source: blog.amplifonusa.com/ask-the-expert-when-and-how-to-discuss-loved-ones-hearing-loss