Encouraging a Loved One to Take a Hearing Test

Reliable communication is at the core of all our relationships. A lack of contact may cause many tensions and rifts within the relationship for individuals whose loved ones may have a hearing loss. The issue is that we might not know that hearing loss is the problem. It might just seem that our spouse just doesn’t listen to us. It may seem that our loved one is just deep in thought.

It’s important to encourage a listening test for your spouse or parent if you have similar problems in your relationship and feel like they have a hearing deficiency. However, we understand it’s very difficult for many people to have someone take a hearing test. What do you do when they just wont listen to you?

That’s why we’ve provided this step by step guide to encouraging your loved one towards taking a hearing test. Let’s begin.

1. Stop being their ears in the world

Many helpful family members act as a ‘living hearing aid’ to their loved one, but this may be causing more problems than you think.

When you serve your loved one’s constant needs by being their ears for them, putting their requirements against your better judgment, repeating what they miss, translating calls, making them feel comfortable where they are without the need to seek solutions for their hearing problem— you are indirectly making things worse. This is the first aspect that should be tackled if you want to successfully seek treatment for your loved one.

2. Do some research

Before you speak to your loved one about this subject, take a look at online resources to learn more about the topic. The American Hearing Loss Association and the American Speech Language Hearing Association both provide a great deal of information on hearing loss symptoms, the effects of chronic hearing loss, and the measures we can take to improve our hearing wellbeing. With this evidence, in urging your loved one to take a hearing test, you may be able to make a more compelling case.

3. Find the right time and place

When hearing loss is involved, even simple interactions can be complicated between you and your loved one. When you’re ready to have a talk with your loved one, avoid going into noisy, busy public spaces where you can be interrupted regularly. Find a quiet time and place to express your issues instead. In fact, because it’s a delicate subject, you might want to have a one-on-one conversation so there’s confidentiality and your loved one doesn’t feel they need to be on their guard.

4. Speak from your perspective

Communication experts tell us that we need to phrase remarks from our own point of view. For example, instead of saying, “You’re always asking me to repeat myself,” you may rephrase it as, “It’s difficult for me to repeat myself often.” In this way, your loved one may not feel like they’re being targeted, but will encourage them to be conscious of your feelings when you communicate with them.

5. Listen more than you talk

Give them the chance to comment after you’ve shared your concerns to your loved one.  Odds are they have noticed a difference in their hearing abilities and are trying to adjust.  They may also express frustration with the changes in their hearing capabilities.

Give your loved one the chance to talk without interruption to voice their opinions about their experience. Ask open-ended questions (rather than yes or no questions) as this will help them open up more about their thoughts.

7. Offer your support

Your loved one may feel very nervous, upset, or anxious about the entire idea of hearing treatment. Offer to be their network of assistance. You can help them by picking up the phone helping them schedule their first consultation in your area.

Of course, remember not to be too supportive by being your partner’s ears in the world. the most effective way for your loved one to seek treatment is for them to make the first move. This can only come by their own awareness of the effect of their hearing loss in the world.

Coastal Hearing Clinic

It can be tough to get your loved one to seek treatment. If you live near Sandwich, MA, get support from our friendly team today. We look forward your loved one in their journey toward better hearing and an improved quality of life.