Football games with Ted are the worst. Paying attention to 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 by any means enjoyable. But the volume sounds normal for Ted. Everything has to be at top volume for him to be able to hear it, making it rather obvious that it’s time to consider hearing aids. You’re just not sure how to talk to him that. His sensitivity about the subject makes what should be a straightforward conversation a lot more challenging.
The following are a few tips that might help.
You Can Recommend he Gets a Basic Hearing Exam
Ted needs to learn more about his hearing from a specialist. Other people might not sound as credible when they tell him about it. If that’s the case, the trick will be convincing Ted (or anyone like him) to come see us.
One of the following tactics may help you do that:
- Stress that he’ll only be undergoing a simple assessment. In the vast majority of cases, hearing screenings are fast and easy. Ted will get his results on an audiogram, which will break down his hearing by frequency. The significance of the information can then be clarified by us.
- Recommend that both of you go together for back-to-back assessments. This is a helpful way to broach a new medical situation. It’s possible you’ll learn that you’ve experienced some hearing loss, also (depending on how long you’ve been exposed to loud sound).
Talk About Behaviors Connected To Hearing Loss
Hearing loss happens gradually, often advancing so slowly it’s unnoticeable. When this occurs, you might acquire certain behaviors without realizing it. You can hint in a discreet way that Ted needs a hearing aid by focusing on these behaviors.
Try some of these approaches:
- Point out situations where you have to translate what somebody said. It may happen like this: someone is talking to Ted but you’re closer and Ted needs you to keep repeating what was said because he can’t hear them.
- Remind Him that he’s not using the phone as much as he used to because he has a difficult time hearing what his friends are saying on the other end.
- Informing him that his family has observed him straining to hear. Every year it seems like fewer and fewer people are going over to see the Big Game and that could be because the TV is turned up so loud.
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, point out how his hearing loss impacts those around him.
Talk About Hearing Aid Technology
In some cases, reticence to using hearing aids comes from antiquated (but understandable) ideas of what hearing aids do and how they influence one’s personal appearance. It might not be a bad idea to emphasize the innovative technology employed by contemporary hearing aids.
The following are some examples:
- Typically, contemporary hearing aids are so small you can’t even see them. That’s not all, modern hearing aids are amazingly comfortable for the wearer. They’re not cumbersome like they once were. Most people will most likely never notice you’re wearing them.
- Modern hearing aids contain a huge 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 noise or feedback.
- Some hearing aids have added features, like the ability to translate in real-time or track important biometrics better than some commercial fitness trackers.
Hearing aids, for many people, are a perfect extension to their other smart technology. In this modern world, hearing aids are incredibly practical and will help you enjoy activities like live streaming.
Promote The Long-Term Benefits
Lastly, it’s worth taking time to point out the long-term advantages of hearing aids, which have been shown to help people keep (or recover) mental equity. To put it bluntly, hearing is essential to a person’s cognitive health.
The sooner you address your hearing loss, the more hearing you’re likely to keep in the long run. When you have hearing impairment, your ears have a difficult time processing particular wavelengths and hearing aids are calibrated to fill in those missing frequencies. When you simply turn the volume up you don’t fill in the specific frequencies that are missing.
Understanding that your hearing can be preserved by getting treatment when you first notice signs of hearing loss will help people like Ted feel comfortable getting the help they need.