Football games with Ted are miserable. He has the volume turned up so loud the walls rattle, and you definitely can’t tune in to the game. The announcer’s play-by-play calls are an ear shattering staccato against the deafening thunder of the crowd.
It isn’t in any way enjoyable. But for Ted, the volume is normal. He needs the TV to be tremendously loud so he can hear it, which makes it rather obvious he needs a hearing aid. How to talk to him about it is the challenge. His sensitivity about the subject makes what should be a straightforward conversation much more challenging.
These tips are a good place to begin.
You Can Suggest he Gets a Simple Hearing Exam
Ted has to learn more about his hearing from a specialist. He may not trust other people when they inform him he needs a hearing aid. In that situation, the trick will be getting Ted (or anybody like him) to come see us.
One of the following tactics might help you do that:
- Recommend that both of you go together for back-to-back screenings. This can make beginning the dialogue easier. You may discover that you also have some level of hearing loss (it may depend on how long you’ve been exposed to a high-volume sound).
- Emphasize that he’ll only be undergoing a quick screening. In most cases, hearing screenings are quick and easy. His hearing will be categorized by frequency on an audiogram. The meaning of the information can then be clarified by us.
Comment on Hearing Loss Behaviors
Hearing loss is frequently indiscernible because it progresses so gradually. When this occurs, you might acquire certain behaviors without realizing it. You can hint in a subtle way that Ted needs a hearing aid by putting attention on these behaviors.
Try some of these approaches:
- Point out that he’s been evading talking to friends and family members on the phone because he has difficulty hearing what they say.
- Letting him know that his family has noticed him straining to hear. Perhaps that’s why fewer individuals are going to his house to watch the Big Game each year, they have a difficult time coping with the loud television.
- Mention that you’ve observed how often you’re “translating” for him. Here’s a hypothetical example: somebody is talking to Ted but you’re closer and Ted needs you to constantly repeat what was said because he can’t understand them.
The goal during these conversations is to keep your discussion centered on these behaviors instead of the disorder. Instead of talking about how Ted is experiencing hearing impairment, mention how his hearing loss effects those around him.
Talk About Hearing Aid Technology
In some cases, reluctance to wearing hearing aids comes from outdated (but understandable) impressions of what hearing aids do and how they influence one’s personal appearance. It may not be a bad idea to emphasize the innovative technology utilized by modern hearing aids.
The following are some examples:
- Some hearing aids have extra features, such as the ability to translate in real-time or track important biometrics better than some commercial fitness trackers.
- Modern hearing aids carry an incredible amount of technology. Your hearing aid will connect wirelessly with your phone, TV, and other smart devices by way of Bluetooth® connectivity. This provides amplified volumes without feedback or noise.
- Typically, modern hearing aids are so small you can’t even notice them. And, modern hearing aids are also comfortable to wear. They’re not bulky like they once were. Most people will probably never detect you’re wearing them.
For many individuals, hearing aids feel like an extension of their smartphones or tablets. In this modern world, hearing aids are incredibly useful and will help you enjoy activities such as live streaming.
Highlight The Long-Term Advantages
Finally, take the time to emphasize the link between hearing loss and mental health decline. Essentially, your brain health depends on you being able to hear clearly.
You will keep more of your hearing intact in the long run if you treat your hearing loss as soon as you can. When you have hearing loss, your ears have a hard time processing particular wavelengths and hearing aids are calibrated to fill in those missing frequencies. Simply turning up your TV is no substitute for this valuable technology.
Getting treatment as soon as you begin experiencing hearing loss can help save your hearing, and understanding that will help convince people like Ted to seek help.