Watching sports with Ted is extremely frustrating. Paying attention to the game is impossible because the volume is turned up so loud that the walls shake. The commentator’s play-by-play calls are an ear shattering staccato against the deafening roar of the crowd.
It isn’t at all enjoyable. But the volume sounds normal for Ted. Everything needs to be at max volume in order for him to hear it, making it rather apparent that it’s time to think about hearing aids. You’re just not certain how to tell him that. It should be a simple conversation, but he seems overly sensitive about the topic.
The following are some tips that could help.
You Can Recommend he Gets a Simple Hearing Evaluation
Ted needs to find out more about his hearing from an expert. He might 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 may help you do that:
- Emphasize that he’ll only be having a simple assessment. In the vast majority of cases, hearing screenings are quick and easy. His hearing will be categorized by frequency on an audiogram. We can detail what the results indicate.
- Suggest the two of you go together for back-to-back screenings. This is a helpful way to discuss a new medical situation. It’s possible you’ll discover that you’ve experienced some hearing loss, also (depending on how long you’ve been subjected to loud sound).
Talk About Behaviors Associated With Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is often indiscernible because it progresses so gradually. Certain subconscious behaviors often develop when this happens. By concentrating your conversation on those behaviors, you can subtly (or not so subtly) hint that Ted (or someone like him) needs a hearing aid.
Try some of these strategies:
- Point out situations where you have to translate what somebody said. Here’s a hypothetical example: somebody is talking to Ted but you’re closer and Ted needs you to keep repeating what was said because he can’t understand them.
- You could tell him the family has noticed he’s been having a difficult time hearing. Perhaps that’s why fewer people are going to his home to watch the Big Game each year, they have a tough time dealing with the loud television.
- Remind Him that he’s not talking on the phone as much as he used to because he has a difficult time hearing what his friends are saying on the other end.
The goal during these discussions is to keep your discussion focused on these behaviors instead of the disorder. Instead of discussing how Ted is experiencing hearing impairment, point out how his hearing loss impacts people in his life.
Talk About Hearing Aid Technology
Outdated notions of how a hearing aid impacts your appearance and what hearing aids do, in some cases, results in reticence to wear one. It may not be a bad idea to emphasize the innovative technology employed by contemporary hearing aids.
The following are some examples:
- Some hearing aids can even monitor your health and fitness biometrics and translate them in real time as well as other additional features.
- Modern hearing aids have a considerable amount of technology. Thanks to connectivity, for example, your hearing aids will pair seamlessly with your phone or even your television speakers. With this tech, the volume of your devices will be amplified without noise and feedback.
- Usually, modern hearing aids are so small you can’t even see them. And, modern hearing aids are also comfortable to wear. They’re not cumbersome like they once were. Most individuals will probably never notice you’re wearing them.
For many people, hearing aids feel like an extension of their smartphones or tablets. In this modern world, hearing aids are incredibly practical and will help you enjoy activities like live streaming.
Highlight The Long-Term Benefits
Finally, take some time to emphasize the link between hearing loss and mental health decline. Essentially, your brain health depends on you being capable of hearing clearly.
You will keep more of your hearing undamaged in the long run if you manage your hearing loss as soon as possible. When you have hearing impairment, your ears have a hard time processing particular wavelengths and hearing aids are calibrated to fill in those missing frequencies. When you simply turn up the volume you don’t fill in the particular missing frequencies.
Understanding that your hearing can be preserved by getting treatment when you first observe signs of hearing loss will help people like Ted feel comfortable seeking the help they need.