If you have a loved one who is avoiding getting hearing aids, they're not alone. Many people feel reluctant to admit to hearing loss— let alone get it treated. That’s why Beltone has put together the following tips for helping to convince a loved one to seek out professional hearing care.
10 tips for helping your loved one with untreated hearing loss
- 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.
- Reach out to others for support. Ask other family members, a close friend, or a trusted doctor to offer their perspectives as well. Often advice will be more readily received when it comes from more than just one person.
- 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 as a way to highlight a pattern of hearing difficulty.
- Suggest an online hearing screening. 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 screening.
- Research payment options. Your loved one may be concerned about the cost of hearing aids. The good news is, 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.
- 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. Offer them with this information so they can better understand what they’re experiencing.
- Share information about hearing aids. Your loved one’s idea of hearing aids may not reflect the current products and technology on the market. Provide them with information about the different types of hearing aids and let them browse the features and benefits of the latest models.
- 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.
- Promise to accompany your loved one. Many people delay seeking out hearing care due to the difficulty of getting around, as well as apprehension about communicating with the hearing care professional. Fortunately, you can accompany your loved one to their free consultation at a Beltone Hearing Care Center in their community.
- 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.
Additional talking points to share with your loved one
- Hearing loss can lead to loneliness, frustration and mental fatigue
- Hearing loss can affect physical balance
- People who use hearing aids report less anger, frustration, paranoia, and anxiety
- Treatment of hearing loss improves the relationship at home and with family
- Most people who use hearing aids have improved social lives
- Modern hearing aids are comfortable, small and discreet and can even be controlled remotely
