With nearly 1 in 6 people having some degree of hearing loss, it is likely you know someone with impaired hearing. Hearing loss is the third most common medical condition people live with today. Though it is pervasive, hearing loss still remains widely undertreated. Only a third of people who could benefit from treatment actually receive it. Additionally, it takes an average of 7 years for people to address their hearing loss symptoms. If you have a loved one with hearing loss, there are helpful ways you can encourage them to take a hearing test. Practicing the following strategies can help you provide critical support and encouragement:
- Learn more about hearing loss. Taking the time to learn more about hearing loss can better help you understand what your loved one is experiencing. Researching hearing loss: signs, symptoms, impact of untreated symptoms etc. helps you approach supporting your loved one more informed and with greater empathy. It also allows you to later share this information. There are numerous misconceptions about hearing loss as well as stigma that often contributes to delayed treatment. Learning more about hearing loss helps deconstruct misconceptions and can empower your loved one to take action.
- Choose time and place wisely. Having a thoughtful conversation about hearing loss and hearing loss treatment with your loved one is important. Be sure to be intentional about the time and place of this conversation because it can be tough. Talking about health and health issues is sensitive and can be overwhelming for people. You want to be sure that you choose a setting that your loved one is already comfortable in and familiar with. It should be quiet so they are able to hear without the burden of background noise and distractions. Additionally, leave ample time for what may come up during the conversation – it shouldn’t be rushed or taken lightly.
- Share your experience. People with untreated hearing loss may not fully realize how their hearing loss is impacting the people around them. They may be trying their best to conceal their hearing challenges and can believe they are doing a great job masking it. So it is useful to share your direct experience and observations of their hearing loss and how it has impacted your dynamic, conversations, time together etc. Be sure to use “I” statements (rather than “you” statements) to avoid making them feel like they are doing something wrong. Share what you have noticed – they aren’t responding during conversations, they don’t seem present, you argue over the volume of the TV, your conversations are not as rich as they were before etc. This helps illuminate how their symptoms are impacting communication and their relationships.
- Ask questions. In addition to sharing your experience, it is important to ask questions and listen. Asking your loved one what their own experience is of their hearing, fears about their health changing, reservations about treatment etc. is a great opportunity to understand more of what they are going through. This also allows you to share some useful information about hearing health resources and solutions that are available to them.
- Discuss impact of untreated hearing loss. Another useful aspect of hearing loss you can discuss with your loved one is the impact of untreated symptoms. It is common to think that if you can “mostly” hear that your hearing is fine and doesn’t need to be checked out. But hearing loss exists on a spectrum (mild to profound) and unaddressed symptoms can worsen one’s hearing over time. This highlights the importance of intervening early and protecting the hearing you have. In addition to one’s impairment worsening, untreated hearing loss increases health risks as well as strains relationships. Treatment alleviates these effects and transforms health and wellness in everyday life.
- Get your hearing tested too. Offering to get your hearing tested too is a great way to provide more support. Your loved one can feel anxiety and stress around getting a hearing test. Going with them and also participating in this process can help make it feel less stressful and overwhelming.
Your support is invaluable. Encouraging your loved one to take a hearing test can give them the push needed to take this important step. Contact us today to learn more!