Dr. Eboni Green
January 9, 2022
It can be tricky to broach the topic of hearing loss. Loved ones, especially elder family members, may not want to discuss their inability to hear. However, delaying discussing hearing loss with your loved one isn’t without costs. As the condition worsens, the person can begin to feel more isolated. This withdrawal can then increase their likelihood of developing depression or other mood disorders.
What’s more, failing to deal with hearing loss can also increase your loved one’s risk of developing tinnitus. This condition is potentially debilitating and can affect sleep, mood and virtually all other aspects of life.
In this post, we look at how you can approach this prickly topic with your loved ones and encourage them to consider wearing hearing aids.
If you notice that your loved one is saying “what” or “pardon” more frequently, or listening to the radio at high volume, it is a sign that they might have hearing loss. Should this be the case, you will want to tell your loved one about your concerns. Point out that they don’t seem to be able to hear as well as they used to and then provide evidence.
It is likely that an open discussion regarding hearing loss, will help your loved one come to terms with it. A soft approach in broaching this sensitive topic. For example, you would not want to make demands regarding hearing tests or other procedure as your loved one will likely take offense. However, if you have an open conversation, you may plant seeds so your loved one has time to think about their hearing loss and come to their own conclusions.
Hearing loss isn’t necessarily a permanent loss. However, it is important to address any loss of hearing can impact your loved one’s psychological safety. Instead, they can address the symptoms. As researchers learn more about the condition, they have become better at creating effective treatments. Modern hearing aids, for instance, both amplify sounds and can give wearers a sense of directional hearing.
Hearing health professionals can also tell your loved one the precise type of hearing loss that they have. For instance, they may struggle to hear high-pitched voices, or they might have difficulty maintaining concentration in a conversation in a loud setting.
Hearing professionals can also rule out many types of hearing loss and provide the appropriate treatment for your loved one. In some cases, hearing aids aren’t necessary. Often, the problem is just impacted earwax which can be removed quickly in a single session.
If that doesn’t work, gently remind your loved one that they have nothing to lose. Even if their hearing is failing, going to a hearing specialist isn’t going to make their life worse. In fact, with the right treatment, they may improve their quality of life.
Many older people don’t want to accept their hearing loss. As a loving family member, though, you can use the strategies discussed here to encourage them to seek help and get the care they need.
