5 Steps To Take If You Think A Family Member Has Hearing Loss
1. Understand Common Myths and Misconceptions About Hearing Loss
My friend/neighbour/second cousin had hearing aids and they don’t work
My hearing’s fine – other people don’t speak clearly
“I don’t want to hear that anyway”
“there’s nothing I can do about my hearing and I can’t afford hearing aids”
2. Gather Support Information
There are many reasons to treat and improve your hearing, including health reasons.
3. Talk About Hearing Loss
Having a conversation about hearing loss with a loved one can be challenging, especially if that person is resistant to the idea.
Gathering information in step 2 is an important part to opening up the conversation about hearing loss, even if you’ve talked about it, without success, in the past.
Recognizing the signs of reduced hearing and the important reasons to improve hearing are the first step for an individual to begin their journey.
Tell your family member that you miss having them included in your conversations. That you want them to be part of family gatherings.
4. Encourage Your Loved One To Have A Hearing Test
Treatment begins with an accurate hearing assessment.
A hearing test is the first step to improving or preserving existing hearing. Hearing care professionals are trained to prescribe the right treatment for your individual hearing loss, which may include recommending and fitting hearing aids.
5. Get Educated About Hearing Loss