Hearing loss is something that no one wants to hear they have when they’ve had good ear health all their life. However, it’s one of those health problems that can come to all of us at some point in life. Whether it’s the work environment they’re in, to a simple case of being older, hearing loss is a health concern that many can experience.
It’s important that you’re there for those who are experiencing hearing loss or may be unaware that they have it – especially if it’s been gradual over so many years.
With that being said, here are some tips to support family members with hearing loss.
Let them know you’re worried
Firstly, let them know you’re worried. As a family member, it’s not nice to see someone struggling, especially when it’s a blood relative. If they’re visibly struggling to hear, then it’s only natural that you’re going to want to express your concerns over their lack of hearing.
By letting them know that you’re worried, it can help nudge them in the direction of getting help for their hearing loss.
Learn how to communicate without your voice
Communicating with your voice might not be as effective as it once was and when it comes to hearing loss, some may need to communicate in other ways. If the hearing has gotten very bad in the recent occasions you’ve been speaking to them, you may need to communicate in other ways while they get the help they need through hearing aids and other potential solutions.
Find ways of communicating without your voice, whether it’s sign language or writing it down on a notepad.
Book them into the audiologist
To help speed up the process of getting help, book them into an audiologist. You can even offer to help them by assisting them with their appointment. This can be particularly effective when you’ve got stubborn family members who’ll put off going for as long as they can.
By helping book the audiologist appointment, you can help get them into the chair and checked over quicker as a result.
Suggest some hearing aid products worth buying
There are lots of hearing aids and hearing assistant products available now that weren’t so readily available a few decades ago.
It might be that the family member doesn’t really know much about what’s available for hearing loss and so some gifts could be gratefully received to help with their journey. It’s hard enough having to deal with the fact that they’ve got hearing loss, so it can be a relief to have some assistance in this regard.
Break down the stigma of hearing aids
The stigma that comes with hearing aids is typically that they’re clunky, ugly-looking devices. This, however, is a stigma that needs to be changed because the reality is, they’re actually a lot more discreet and stylish in design.
Supporting a family member with hearing loss is something that can certainly help so use these tips to provide support for your loved ones.
