If you are thinking about approaching your loved one to discuss taking a hearing test, you may be wondering how best to be both encouraging and convincing! Your support is especially important because there is often a delay in seeking treatment for hearing loss.
Though an estimated 1 in 5 people have some degree of impaired hearing, a chronic medical condition that impacts nearly 48 million people, it continues to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. There are a few reasons that contribute to this widespread inaction around hearing health. Hearing loss tends to develop gradually so it can take quite some time to be fully aware that it is happening.
Additionally, there are numerous misconceptions about the condition – it only affects aging adults, it’s not serious or life threatening, easily curable etc. – that prevents people from prioritizing hearing healthcare. So encouraging your loved one to take a hearing test is an incredibly useful way to give them a helpful push towards receiving life changing care that will transform their quality of life!
- Research hearing loss beforehand
Taking the time to learn more about hearing loss is a great way to have an informed conversation with your loved one. Gathering research enables you to expand what you know about hearing loss and also provides you with the information that you can use to debunk any misconceptions your loved one may have about it. Being able to share specific symptoms they exhibit, current and potential impact, and health risks associated with untreated hearing loss can significantly help you frame the importance and urgency of treating hearing health. Additionally, this demonstrates your investment in your loved one’s health and willingness to support them!
2. Be thoughtful about the time and space for the conversation
Choosing the right time and setting is also an important factor to consider beforehand. You want to be sure that you allocate plenty of time to have a thoughtful conversation. The last thing you want to experience is being rushed or distracted by other obligations. Setting aside ample time is a good way to avoid these potential conflicts.
Thinking about the best environment is a crucial detail as well. Because this could be a difficult conversation for your loved one (and you!) and also about sensitive information, you want to choose a setting that is most comfortable for them. A familiar space can help them be at ease and more open to the conversation. The setting should not be loud so be sure to avoid noisier spaces (busy restaurants, cafes, high traffic parks etc.). Background noise should be limited as much as possible so they have an easier time hearing and focusing on the conversation.
3. Emphasize the impact of untreated hearing loss
Sharing the ways in which hearing loss has far reaching effects on all aspects of life can help your loved ones internalize the impact of not seeking (or delaying) treatment. Major effects to share include:
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- strained communication: hearing loss produces a range of symptoms that reduce capacity to hear and process sound. This makes it difficult to participate in and navigate conversations. People may struggle with hearing specific sounds, experience difficulty distinguishing words, and overextend themselves in trying to hear. This can easily lead to missed information, miscommunication, and unpleasant interactions.
- social withdrawal: because conversations can be cumbersome and stressful, this can cause people to avoid them altogether. This means skipping out on social events, activities, and spending less time with others. Social withdrawal not only results in isolation but also affects relationships with family and friends.
- overall health decline: untreated hearing loss increases the risk of experiencing other health issues including cognitive decline, accidental injuries, and depression. This directly impacts quality of life and daily well-being.
4. Share your direct experience of their hearing loss
Be sure to share specific ways you have experienced/been impacted by their hearing loss. This includes the symptoms you have observed, how they have been impacted, and ways your relationship (or communication specifically) may have changed. This can help them to better understand the toll their hearing loss is already taking.
5. Offer your continued support
Another great way to be encouraging is to offer your continued support throughout their healthy hearing journey! You can offer to be present during their hearing consultation and can even get a hearing test yourself!
If your loved one is ready to take a hearing test, we’re here to help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
