Watching sports with Ted is very difficult. Paying attention to the game is impossible because the volume is cranked up so loud that the walls rattle. The announcer’s play-by-play calls are an ear shattering staccato against the deafening roar of the crowd.
It’s not fun. But the volume sounds normal for Ted. Everything needs to be at top volume in order for him to hear it, making it rather apparent that it’s time to think about hearing aids. How to talk to him about it is the difficulty. His sensitivity about the topic makes what should be a simple conversation much more difficult.
These tips are a good place to start.
You Can Recommend he Gets a Simple Hearing Exam
Ted needs a specialist to inform him about his hearing. 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 may be able to do that by making use of one of the following tactics:
- Emphasize that he’ll only be undergoing a simple screening. In most cases, hearing screenings are fast and easy. Ted will get his results on an audiogram, which will analyze his hearing by frequency. We can explain what the results indicate.
- Offer to get a screening with him. This can make starting the conversation easier. You may discover that you also have some degree of hearing impairment (it could depend on how long you’ve been subjected to a high-volume sound).
Talk About Behaviors Connected To Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is often undetectable because it progresses so slowly. When this happens, you may acquire certain behaviors without realizing it. You can hint in a discreet way that Ted needs a hearing aid by putting attention on these behaviors.
Try something like the following:
- Point out that he’s been avoiding talking to family members and friends by phone because he has trouble hearing what they say.
- You could tell him your family has observed he’s been having a hard time hearing. Each year it seems as if fewer and fewer people are going over to watch the Big Game and that could be because the TV is turned up so loud.
- Point out instances where you need to translate what somebody said. It may happen like this: your friend says something at breakfast, Ted doesn’t hear or comprehend it, and you need to repeat what they said to Ted because you’re closer to him.
When you have these conversations focusing on these behaviors, not the condition, will be the goal. Instead of discussing how Ted is experiencing hearing impairment, mention how his hearing loss effects people in his life.
Emphasize The Technology in Modern Hearing Aids
In some cases, reticence to using hearing aids comes from antiquated (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.
The following are some examples:
- Some hearing aids can even track your health and fitness biometrics and render them in real time as well as other additional features.
- Modern hearing aids have a considerable amount of technology. Your hearing aid will connect wirelessly with your phone, TV, and other smart devices thanks to Bluetooth® connectivity. This provides amplified volumes without feedback or noise.
- Modern hearing aids are generally incredibly small and almost completely unseen to the naked eye. Not only that, modern hearing aids are incredibly comfortable for the wearer. They aren’t the big and bulky units they used to be. They won’t even be seen by most people.
For many people, hearing aids feel like an extension of their smartphones or tablets. Modern hearing aids are exceptionally helpful pieces of technology that allow you to enjoy live streaming.
Promote The Long-Term Advantages
Finally, take the time to point out the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. In other words, 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 treat your hearing loss as soon as you can. Hearing aids are calibrated to fill in specific sound wavelengths which your ears have a difficult time discerning. Simply turning your television volume up is no substitute for this valuable technology.
Understanding that your hearing can be preserved by getting treatment when you first observe signs of hearing impairment will help people like Ted feel comfortable seeking the help they need.