How to Convince Your Loved Ones to Take a Hearing Test

No one likes to acknowledge that they’re getting older and struggling with hearing loss. It can take up to ten years for someone to admit they need help. In the meantime, the lives of your nearest and dearest can be negatively affected. Social isolation, impaired cognitive function, and even essential health and safety can all become problematic. So how would you persuade your loved ones to go for a hearing test?

Here are a few ways to start…

Checking for Earwax

An excess of earwax can impair your hearing. As GP surgeries no longer routinely offer an earwax removal service, referring your loved ones to a hearing clinic that offers microsuction earwax removal makes sense. The audiologist will establish whether the hearing loss results from earwax build-up or has another underlying cause. It will be much easier for your relatives to accept that a hearing test is necessary if an audiological expert advises it. Click HERE to locate your nearest AIHHP Centre of Excellence that can help you further with wax removal.

Using the Example of Friends and Relatives

Examples of friends, relatives, or other peer groups may help. Your mother might feel happier having a hearing test if her Women’s Institute colleague has already been through the process. Why not ask former work associates, close friends, or other relatives if they can explain what’s involved? If they can describe how their quality of life has improved, then so much better. Often it is just a fear of the unknown that prevents action taking.

Explain How Their Hearing Loss Can Inconvenience Others

Whilst your relatives might appear stubborn in denying their hearing loss. It could be a stigma relating to their advancing years. They are likely to be more cooperative if they know how their declining hearing affects you. You could explain how, for example, it makes you feel when you struggle to communicate or let them know how awkward it is to get them to answer their door or phone. If appropriate, you could also express your concern that they might not hear their smoke alarm or other warning sounds.

Talk about the Benefits of Modern Hearing Aids

Some people still believe hearing aids are ugly and unwieldy, resembling a brown banana and emitting loud whistles. However, modern hearing aids are discreet and silent. Manufacturers’ websites show advanced designs and clever functions. Hearing aids can offer many life-enhancing features, such as Bluetooth connectivity with TVs, music devices, mobile phones, and assistive listening via smartphone apps.

Free Trial of Hearing Aids

Some would-be hearing aid users may refuse a hearing test as they are unsure whether they will cope with a hearing device and the advanced technology. What if they could try them first? Trying the hearing device for size and witnessing the apparent improvements in sound quality could well seal the deal. Some independent audiologists offer a short hearing device trial as part of their service.

Online Tests

The AIHHP website offers a simple three-minute online hearing test which can establish a need for further investigation. It is an objective measure on a reputable website.

Home Visits or Online Tests

If your elderly relatives lack full mobility, the stress of travelling to an audiologist may be a further barrier to taking a hearing test. Check with your AIHHP hearing aid audiologist to see whether they offer home visits. The whole process will be far less stressful in the privacy and comfort of their own home.

Seek advice above all. Your local AIHHP Centre of Excellence will be able to give help and advice and offer a sympathetic ear on all issues surrounding hearing loss.