Watching sports with Ted is incredibly difficult. Enjoying the game is impossible because the volume is cranked up so loud that the walls shake. The commentator’s play-by-play calls are an ear shattering staccato against the earsplitting thunder of the crowd.
It isn’t at all pleasant. But for Ted, the volume is normal. He requires the TV to be extremely loud so he can hear it, which makes it pretty obvious he needs a hearing aid. How to talk to him about it is the challenge. His sensitivity about the topic makes what should be a straightforward conversation much more challenging.
The following are some tips that may help.
You Can Recommend he Gets a Basic Hearing Exam
Ted has to learn more about his hearing from a specialist. He might not believe other people when they inform him he needs a hearing aid. If that’s the case, the strategy will be convincing Ted (or anyone like him) to come see us.
You might be able to do that by making use of one of the following tactics:
- Emphasize that he’ll only be having a basic assessment. In the vast majority of cases, hearing screenings are quick and easy. His hearing will be categorized by frequency on an audiogram. The significance of the information can then be broken down by us.
- Suggest that both of you go together for back-to-back screenings. This is a helpful way to broach a new medical situation. You may find out that you also have some level of hearing impairment (depending on how long you’ve been subjected to loud sound).
Talk About Behaviors Associated With Hearing Loss
Hearing loss takes place gradually, often advancing so slowly it’s not noticeable. When this occurs, you may pick up certain behaviors without knowing it. By focusing your discussion on those behaviors, you can subtly (or not so subtly) hint that Ted (or someone like him) needs a hearing aid.
Try something like the following:
- Informing him that his family has observed him straining to hear. Every year it seems like fewer and fewer people are going over to watch the Big Game and that could be because the TV is turned up so loud.
- Mention that you’ve noticed how frequently you’re “translating” for him. Here’s a hypothetical example: someone is talking to Ted but you’re closer and Ted needs you to constantly repeat what was said because he can’t hear them.
- Remind Him that he’s not talking on the phone as much as he once did because he has a difficult time hearing what his friends are saying on the other end.
When you have these discussions focusing on these behaviors, not the disorder, will be the goal. Instead of discussing how Ted is experiencing hearing loss, mention how his hearing loss impacts those around him.
Talk About Hearing Aid Technology
Sometimes, reluctance to wearing hearing aids comes from outdated (but understandable) notions 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 employed by contemporary hearing aids.
Here 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 are typically incredibly small and almost completely imperceptible to the naked eye. That’s not all, modern hearing aids are exceptionally comfortable for the wearer. They’re not cumbersome like they once were. Most individuals will probably never notice you’re wearing them.
- The technology of modern hearing aids is pretty advanced. Your hearing aid will connect wirelessly with your phone, TV, and other smart devices thanks to Bluetooth® connectivity. With this tech, the volume of your devices will be amplified without noise and feedback.
Hearing aids, for many people, are an ideal extension to their other smart technology. Modern hearing aids are exceptionally helpful pieces of technology that allow you to enjoy live streaming.
Highlight The Long-Term Benefits
Finally, take some time to emphasize the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Essentially, your brain health depends on you being capable of hearing clearly.
The sooner you manage your hearing loss, the more hearing you’re likely to keep over time. Hearing aids are calibrated to fill in specific sound wavelengths which your ears have a difficult time discerning. Simply turning your television volume up isn’t a substitute for this valuable technology.
Getting treatment as soon as you start noticing hearing loss can help save your hearing, and understanding that will help convince people like Ted to seek help.