If you realize someone you love has hearing loss what should be done. Normally, people who have slow loss of hearing don’t realize it so that makes it a difficult subject to talk about. No one is helped by ignoring this frustrating problem. Find a way to discuss it with your loved one now so that their life can be bettered. Consider these tips to help get you there.
Learn More so You Can Discuss it Better
First off, you need to comprehend what is happening yourself so you can describe it. When you grow older your chance of being affected by hearing loss raises. About one person out of every three have some amount of hearing loss by the time they are 74 and more than half suffer from it after the age of 75.
Presbycusis is the technical term for this form of ear damage. It usually occurs in both ears equally, and the effect is gradual. Years before anyone detected it, it’s likely that this person started losing their hearing.
There are many reasons presbycusis happens. The most basic explanation for age-related hearing loss is that years of sound eventually breaks down delicate mechanisms of the ear, especially the tiny hair cells. Electrical messages are generated which go to the brain. The brain gets the signals and translates them into what you know as sound. Hearing is not possible without those little hairs.
Chronic health problems can play a role, as well, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
All of these can damage the ear and impair the hearing.
Set a Date
Where you choose to have a discussion with your loved one is equally as important as what you say. The best choice is to schedule something so the two of you can meet and have a talk. It’s important not to be disturbed so pick a private location. If you have any written material on the subject matter, you should bring that also. Presbycusis might be explained in a brochure that you can get from a doctor, for example.
Let’s Discuss the Whys
The response you can expect right away is for the person to be defensive. Hearing loss is a sensitive subject because it is associated with aging. Growing older is a difficult thing to acknowledge. Poor hearing might challenge the elderly’s idea that they are in control of their daily lives.
Be prepared to provide particulars as to how you know they have some hearing problems.
Discuss that you need to keep repeating yourself during conversations, too. Don’t make it seem like you’re complaining, keep it casual. Be patient and understanding as you put everything into perspective.
Now it’s Time to Listen
After you have said what needs to be said, be ready to sit back and listen. Your family member may express concerns or say they have noticed some changes but didn’t know what they should do. To help them come to a realization about their hearing loss, ask questions which motivate them to keep talking.
Let Them Know They Have a Support System
The most difficult challenge is going to be going beyond the fear that comes with hearing loss. Many people feel isolated with their condition and don’t recognize they have family and friends who will be there for them. Talk to them about others in the family who have had similar experiences and how they found ways to live with hearing loss.
Come Armed With Solutions
What to do next will be the most important part of the conversation. Make your loved one aware that hearing loss is not the end of the world. There are a lot of available tools including hearing aids which can be helpful. Much more sleek and modern hearing aids are currently available. They come in all sizes and shapes and with features that improve the quality of life. Show them some literature on a computer or brochure detailing the different devices that are available.
Going to the doctor is step one. Some hearing loss is temporary. Rule out earwax build up or medication side effects that could be causing your problem by getting an ear exam. Then the doctor can schedule a hearing test, and you can go from there.