Football games with Ted are miserable. He has the volume turned up so loud the walls shake, and you definitely can’t pay attention to the game. All you notice is the roar of the crowd pounding against your body, punctuated by the ear-shattering staccato of the announcer’s play-by-play calls.
It isn’t fun. But the volume seems fine for Ted. He needs the TV to be incredibly 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 a lot more difficult.
These tips are a good place to begin.
You Can Recommend he Gets a Simple Hearing Exam
Ted needs a specialist to inform him about his hearing. Other people might not seem as credible when they talk to him about it. If that’s the case, the trick will be getting Ted (or anybody like him) to come see us.
You might be able to accomplish that by making use of one of the following tactics:
- Stress that he’ll only be undergoing a basic screening. 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 mean.
- Offer to get a screening too. This can make beginning the dialogue easier. It’s possible you’ll learn that you’ve experienced some hearing loss, also (it could depend on how long you’ve been subjected to a high-volume noise).
Talk About Behaviors Connected To Hearing Loss
Hearing loss occurs gradually, often advancing so slowly it’s not noticeable. When this happens, you may pick up certain behaviors without realizing it. By focusing your conversation on those behaviors, you can subtly (or not so subtly) hint that Ted (or somebody like him) needs a hearing aid.
Try some of these strategies:
- Point out that he’s been avoiding talking to friends and family members on the phone because he has trouble hearing what they say.
- Informing him that his family has observed 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.
- Point out that you’ve noticed how frequently you’re “translating” for him. It may happen like this: 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.
When you have these discussions focusing on these behaviors, not the condition, will be the objective. Instead of talking about how Ted is experiencing hearing loss, point out how his hearing loss effects those around him.
Talk About Hearing Aid Technology
In some cases, reticence to wearing hearing aids comes from antiquated (but understandable) ideas 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:
- Modern hearing aids contain an immense amount of technology. Thanks to connectivity, for example, your hearing aids will pair seamlessly with your phone or even your television speakers. This delivers amplified volumes without feedback or noise.
- Some hearing aids have additional features, including the ability to translate in real-time or track key biometrics better than some commercial fitness trackers.
- Modern hearing aids are typically very small and almost entirely imperceptible to the naked eye. And, modern hearing aids are also comfortable to wear. They aren’t the big and cumbersome units they used to be. They won’t even be noticed by most people.
Hearing aids, for many people, are a perfect extension to their other smart technology. In this modern world, hearing aids are extremely useful and will help you enjoy activities such as live streaming.
Highlight The Long-Term Benefits
Lastly, it’s worth taking time to mention the long-term advantages of hearing aids, which have been shown to help people keep (or recover) their cognitive faculties. To put it bluntly, hearing is essential to a person’s cognitive health.
You will keep more of your hearing undamaged in the long run if you treat your hearing loss as soon as possible. Hearing aids are calibrated specifically to fill in the sound wavelengths your ears have a difficult time discerning. Simply turning up your TV is no substitute for this valuable technology.
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 getting the help they need.
