Help! My Parent Is Hard of Hearing and Won’t Get Help


Man with his hand up to his ear.

Learning how to deal with and adjust to hearing loss may be difficult for some people. Not only can the condition affect one’s ability to communicate with others efficiently, but it can also disrupt their sense of self.

If you have a loved one who has lost their hearing, you may be at a complete loss about what you can do to help. However, there are specific steps you can take so that they have the right information and tools they need to make informed decisions about how to navigate through life with their hearing loss.

Talk about the hearing loss

You can initiate a conversation so that your loved one is aware that there is a support system with which to help them address their condition. Choose a comfortable and private place to have the conversation, avoiding areas that have background noises that can make it difficult for your loved one to determine what you are saying. When you begin to speak, make sure to speak clearly and that they can see your face. Being tactful and showing compassion is essential to making your loved one understand that they can rely on you for help. Both of you may find it helpful to discuss how the hearing loss impacts not only the person with the condition but others around them. Most importantly, explain how they have options when it comes to treating their hearing loss and the urgency of doing so.

Encourage them to learn more about their hearing loss

Understanding the type of hearing loss they’re experiencing is key to getting the right type of treatment. Scheduling an appointment and consulting with a specialist can help demystify their hearing loss situation, which can help them cope better. Help them find the right hearing professional by getting suggestions from a trusted physician, and don’t be discouraged if the first hearing specialist they meet does not seem to be a good fit. It is worth it to take the time to find an experienced specialist who can help your loved one determine what type of treatment they may need for their particular hearing loss case.

Discuss assistive listening devices

There is a wide range of devices that individuals can use to treat and accommodate their hearing loss. Your loved one may be a candidate for a hearing aid or cochlear implant that can help them hear better. However, there are also other hearing assistive devices that can be purchased personally to be used within the home or at other locations. There are telephones that can amplify sound, and television listening systems can help someone with hearing while reducing interfering background noises. Specially made alarm clocks, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide sensors can use flashing lights or emit low-frequency sounds instead of the high-frequency tones that can be difficult for a loved one with hearing loss to hear, especially if they are asleep.

Getting a loved one to overcome uncertainty to take the necessary steps to deal with their hearing loss will not always be an easy task. However, it is the right thing for you to do.

 

 

 

 

Want more information?

Checkout these related articles

Problems in communication concept, misunderstanding create confusion in work, miscommunicate unclear message and information, people have troubles with understanding each other due to auditory neuropathy.
Kevin St. Clergy
| March 15, 2023

What is Auditory Neuropathy

Auditory neuropathy is a hearing disorder that occurs when signals from the ear do not successfully reach the brain. Treatment can help improve symptoms. […]

Read More… from What is Auditory Neuropathy

Woman wearing headphones.
Kevin St. Clergy
| March 15, 2023

Consider Your Hearing Health when Buying New Headphones

Concerned that headphones may cause hearing loss? Here’s what to consider when buying and using your next set of headphones […]

Read More… from Consider Your Hearing Health when Buying New Headphones

ignore your hearing loss
Kevin St. Clergy
| March 14, 2023

You Can’t Afford to Ignore Your Hearing Loss

Ignoring your hearing loss won’t make it go away. Check out these 7 reasons you shouldn’t gloss over your auditory health! […]

Read More… from You Can’t Afford to Ignore Your Hearing Loss

Find A Hearing Expert Near You Today

Discover everything you need to know about hearing loss and hearing aids and find top local hearing experts.

Find An Expert