Aging is the number one cause of hearing loss. As your parents get older, they may start to experience symptoms, especially in noisy places like Gilbert’s Coffee Bar. Unfortunately, because it’s a progressive condition, many are unaware they have it until it has reached an advanced stage. This may even cause them to be in denial about their condition.
If you believe it’s time for your parent to start wearing hearing aids, we review tips for how to encourage them below.
Tell Them Hearing Aids Help with Independence
If one of your parents is experiencing hearing loss, the may rely on their partner or you to do important tasks like make appointments. Tell your parents that wearing hearing aids can empower them to be more independent and take these tasks back for themselves.
Tell Them Hearing Aids Boost Safety & Health
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, “Use of hearing aids is associated with delayed diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression, anxiety, and injurious falls among older adults with hearing loss.”
Tell Them Hearing Aids Help with Tinnitus
It’s extremely common for people with hearing loss to also experience tinnitus. If your parent does, tell them hearing aids can help provide relief from the phantom ringing sounds.
Time Your Conversation Well
When you approach your parent about their hearing, don’t do it during a time of stress, anxiety or frustration. Wait until a peaceful time when they are alone. Turn off any distractions.
Offer to Help
Hearing loss is an isolating experience. To prevent your parent from feeling further isolated, offer to attend appointments with them and be with them every step of the way.
Other Ways to Boost Communication
Whether or not your parent decides to invest in hearing aids, there are other ways you all can boost communication. The National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders recommends:
- “Tell your friends and family about your hearing loss. They need to know that hearing is hard for you. The more you tell the people you spend time with, the more they can help you.
- Ask your friends and family to face you when they talk so that you can see their faces. If you watch their faces move and see their expressions, it may help you to understand them better.
- Ask people to speak louder, but not shout. Tell them they do not have to talk slowly, just more clearly.
- Turn off the TV or the radio if you aren’t actively listening to it.
- Be aware of noise around you that can make hearing more difficult. When you go to a restaurant, do not sit near the kitchen or near a band playing music. Background noise makes it hard to hear people talk.”
For more information on hearing loss or to schedule an appointment, call The Hear Care Center today.