How Can I Help Someone With Hearing Loss?
Denial or minimization is a common reaction to hearing loss—sometimes due to a perceived stigma attached to hearing aids, and sometimes because of concerns about the cost or process of receiving treatment. Beltone is here to help you support your loved one with hearing loss.
10 Tips For Helping Your Loved One With Untreated Hearing Loss
If you have a loved one who is reluctant to try hearing aids, you’re not alone. Here are some tips for helping to convince a loved one with untreated hearing loss to seek out professional care.
1. Communicate your feelings.
Tell your loved one how much you value your relationship with them and how his or her hearing loss has affected you. Be sure to communicate with compassion and avoid threats, guilt or a confrontational attitude.
2. Reach out to others for support.
Ask other family members, a close friend or a trusted doctor to offer their perspectives, as well. Oftentimes, advice will be more readily received when it comes from more than one person.
3. Remind your loved one of prior hearing challenges.
Has your loved one complained of not being able to hear at church, or in a restaurant, or during their day-to-day interactions? Remind your loved one of these occurrences to highlight a pattern of hearing difficulty.
4. Suggest an online hearing assessment.
Sometimes a good first step is a simple exercise to gauge the possible presence and severity of hearing loss. Suggest to your loved one that they try Beltone’s short and simple online hearing assessment.
5. Research payment options.
Your loved one may be concerned about the cost of hearing aids. The good news is that top-rated hearing aids are more affordable than ever before, with payment plans available to many customers. Your Beltone hearing care professional will be happy to discuss financing options with you.
6. Share information about hearing loss.
Your loved one may not know about the different types of hearing loss, or the connection between hearing loss and degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Provide this information so they can better understand what they’re experiencing.
7. Share information about hearing aids.
Your loved one’s idea of hearing aids may not reflect current products and technology. Provide them with information about the different types of hearing aids and let them browse the features and benefits of the latest models.
8. Pass along some success stories.
If you know other people in your loved one’s circle who wear hearing aids, ask them to share their experiences with your loved one. You can also browse Beltone’s YouTube channel to find recent customer testimonials.
9. Promise to accompany your loved one.
Many people delay seeking out hearing care because of difficulty getting around and apprehension about communicating with the hearing care professional. Fortunately, you can accompany your loved one to their free consultation at their local Beltone to provide support.
10. Be consistent in your encouragement.
Research shows that repeated family recommendations are the primary reason people finally decide to seek out hearing care. Don’t give up! Gently remind your loved one of their hearing loss and how simple it is to book a free appointment to get checked out.
