How to Convince a Loved One to Get Their Hearing Tested

Convincing loved ones to seek treatment for the conditions impacting their health can be challenging. Many people are particularly stubborn when it comes to their hearing health.

There are many reasons people are resistant to wearing hearing aids, however, there are many solutions available today to cater to everyone’s needs.

If your loved one needs some assistance with their hearing but are resistant to seek help, here are some tips to nudge them along.

TAKE A SOFT APPROACH:

Don’t attempt to pressure your loved one into making an appointment with an audiologist and always treat the subject with sensitivity. The more you pressure someone the further away you may push them from getting help. Try to understand their position and work with them, rather than against them.

FIND OUT WHY THEY ARE BEING STUBBORN:

One of the best ways to convince your loved one to seek help is to directly address their concerns. Speak to your loved ones about the reasons why they are resistant to seek treatment for their hearing loss. It may surprise you. Ensure you take their concerns seriously and do not dismiss even the smallest concern. Together you can find a solution and hopefully encourage them to seek the help they need.

FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE RATHER THAN THE NEGATIVE:

Point out the positives that will come from wearing hearing aids such as making it easier to communicate with friends and family rather than focusing on the negatives. Other benefits of current hearing aids are rechargeable batteries and direct streaming from mobile phones. Often people will get so focused on the reasons why they don’t want hearing aids that they forget to consider how hearing aids may improve their lifestyle. Discussing this with your loved ones may make them more open to the possibility of wearing hearing aids.

REMIND THEM THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS AVIALABLE:

Common concerns with hearing aids are the cosmetic look of the device and the price. Hearing aids have come a long way in the past decade or two. Gone are the days of the big, bulky hearing aids that whistled continuously. Hearing aids today are very discreet and come in many different styles and sizes with a range of prices to suit everyone’s needs.

ACCOMPANY THEM TO THEIR APPOINTMENT:

Many people find medical appointments daunting and overwhelming. Accompanying your loved one to their appointment provides additional emotional support and may put them at ease. You may be able to help them remember information provided during the appointment or ask a relevant question that did not come to their mind at the time.

SPEAK WITH AN AUDIOLOGIST:

While some people welcome advice from their loved ones, others prefer to hear advice from independent health professionals. Audiologists have a wealth of knowledge and experience with hearing loss, the impact of hearing loss, the benefits of hearing aids, barriers to wearing hearing aids and solutions to address these issues.

The friendly independent audiologists at Hearing Innovations are always here to help. Please contact us on 02 9327 6611 if you have any questions.