Football games with Ted are the worst. He has the volume turned up so loud the walls rattle, and you certainly can’t tune in to the game. The commentator’s play-by-play calls are an ear shattering staccato against the deafening roar of the crowd.
It isn’t in any way enjoyable. But for Ted, the volume is normal. He requires the TV to be extremely loud so he can hear it, which makes it rather clear he needs a hearing aid. How to discuss this with him is the problem. His sensitivity about the topic makes what should be a straightforward conversation much more difficult.
These tips are a good place to start.
Suggest a Basic Exam
Ted needs to learn more about his hearing from a specialist. He might not believe other people when they inform him he needs a hearing aid. In that situation, the trick will be getting Ted (or anybody like him) to come see us.
One of the following tactics might help you do that:
- Offer to get a screening too. This can make beginning the dialogue easier. It’s possible you’ll discover that you’ve experienced some hearing loss, as well (it may depend on how long you’ve been subjected to a high-volume sound).
- Try making him feel more at ease by letting him know that it’s just a simple screening. In the vast majority of cases, hearing screenings are fast and easy. Ted will receive his results on an audiogram, which will analyze his hearing by frequency. We can detail what the results indicate.
Talk About Behaviors Associated With Hearing Loss
Hearing loss takes place slowly, often progressing so slowly it’s not noticeable. Certain subconscious behaviors frequently develop when this happens. 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 some of these approaches:
- You could tell him your family has noticed he’s been having a tough time hearing. Perhaps that’s why fewer individuals are going to his house to watch the Big Game each year, they have a difficult time dealing with the loud television.
- Point out instances where you need to translate what somebody said. It might happen like this: your friend says something at dinner, Ted doesn’t hear or understand it, and you need to repeat the sentence to Ted because you’re closer to him.
- Point out that he’s been avoiding talking to friends and family members by phone because he has trouble hearing what’s being said.
When you have these talks focusing on these behaviors, not the disorder, will be the goal. Instead of talking about how Ted is experiencing hearing impairment, mention how his hearing loss impacts those around him.
Talk About Hearing Aid Technology
Antiquated ideas of how a hearing aid affects your appearance and what hearing aids do, in some instances, results in reticence to use one. It may not be a bad idea to emphasize the innovative technology utilized by contemporary hearing aids.
Here are some examples:
- Modern hearing aids have 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 feedback or noise.
- Some hearing aids have extra features, such as the ability to translate in real-time or track important biometrics better than some commercial fitness trackers.
- Usually, contemporary hearing aids are so small you can’t even notice them. Not only that, modern hearing aids are incredibly comfortable for the wearer. They aren’t the big and cumbersome units they used to be. Most individuals will probably never detect you’re wearing them.
Hearing aids, for many people, are a perfect extension to their other smart technology. In this modern world, hearing aids are extremely practical and will help you enjoy activities like live streaming.
Promote The Long-Term Advantages
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. 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 possible. 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 up the volume you don’t fill in the particular frequencies that are missing.
Recognizing that your hearing can be preserved by getting treatment when you first notice signs of hearing impairment will help people like Ted feel comfortable getting the help they need.