A person you love has hearing loss, now what? Hearing loss commonly goes undetected by those who have it and that makes it even more difficult to bring up. It’s a frustrating issue for everyone and ignoring it isn’t the answer. Find a way to talk about it with your loved one now so that their life can be bettered. Consider these strategies to help get you there.
If You Want to be Able to Explain it Better, do The Research
Explaining the problem is easier if you first understand it. The chances of hearing loss increase as people get older. About one in every three people suffer from some level of hearing loss by the time they reach the age of 74 and greater than half suffer from it after the age of 75.
This kind of ear damage is technically known as presbycusis. It usually happens in both ears equally, and the effect is gradual. Years before anyone noticed, it’s probable that this person started losing their hearing.
Persbyscusis happens for several reasons. Basically, years of hearing sound eventually breaks down the delicate mechanism of the inner ear, particularly the tiny hair cells. Electrical signals are created which go to the brain. What you know as sound is actually a message that is received and then translated by the brain. Without those hair cells, hearing is not possible.
Chronic illnesses can play a role, as well, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
All of these can harm the ear and impair the hearing.
Make a Date
The place where you decide to have a talk with your loved one is equally as important as what you say. Scheduling something so you can have a conversation is the best bet. You don’t want to be interrupted so choose a private venue. If you have any written material on the subject, you should also bring that. Presbycusis may be discussed in a brochure that you can obtain from a doctor, as an example.
Let’s Discuss the Whys
The response you can expect at first is for the person to be defensive. Because it is related to aging, loss of hearing can be a sensitive topic. It’s hard to acknowledge that you are growing older. Poor hearing might challenge the elderly’s belief that they are in control of their daily lives.
Be prepared to offer specifics as to how you know they have some hearing problems.
Remind them how often they ask you and others to repeat what they said. Keep the discussion casual and don’t make it sound like you are complaining. Be patient and understanding as you put everything into perspective.
Now it’s Time to Listen
Be prepared to sit back and listen once you have said what you need to say. Your family member might have noticed some changes and could have other concern but doesn’t know what to do. Ask questions that can encourage this person to keep talking about what they’re going through to help make it real to them.
Let Them Know They Have a Support System
Getting past the fear that comes with hearing loss is going to be the toughest challenge. Many people feel isolated with their problem and don’t understand they have family and friends who will be there for them. Talk about others in the family that have had similar experiences and how they discovered ways to live with hearing loss.
Be Prepared to Offer Solutions
What to do next will be the most crucial part of the discussion. Make your loved one aware that hearing loss is not the end of the world. There are plenty of tools available to help, including hearing aids. Much more sleek and modern hearing aids are currently available. They come in all sizes and shapes and with features that improve the quality of life. If you can bring a tablet, use a computer or have some brochures that show the different devices which are now available.
Going to the doctor is step one. Some hearing loss is temporary. Get an ear exam to rule out things like ear wax build up and medication that might be causing the problem. After that the doctor can schedule a hearing test, and you can go from there.