If you have a loved one displaying signs of potential hearing loss, this realization can be worrisome. Some people are eager to get treatment as soon as it is necessary, but others would rather put off getting the help they need. If you have a hunch that your loved one falls into the latter category, there are a few things to keep in mind when talking about hearing loss and treatment. The mode of communication and the context of your conversation are both crucial elements to the delivery of information and the questions you ask. If you are concerned with your ability to have this conversation about hearing loss, there are a few steps you can take to make that talk go more smoothly. You will want to set the stage for support and eagerness to reach solutions, so carefully consider your mode of communication. If you can have an open and supportive conversation about hearing loss, your loved one will be more likely to seek the treatment that is necessary.
Setting the Stage
When you have an important conversation, it is important to let the setting and context establish the significance of that talk. Rather than randomly mentioning the possibility of hearing loss while you are out and about, why not consider raising the topic in a quiet and peaceful environment? If you try to talk about hearing loss in a place with loud background noise, this setting can be a worst-case scenario. Not only might your loved one resist what you have to say, but the context can add to the frustration. Instead, seek out a quiet place without any distractions. Your home with the television off is a great place to start the conversation. Try to find a time when your loved one is open and receptive rather than already agitated about something else. The emotional context is also important to consider when you are communicating.
Asking Questions
When you begin to talk about hearing loss, start by asking open-ended questions and listening to the response. Rather than beginning by telling your loved one that you think hearing loss might be an issue, you can start, instead, by asking about their experiences. If you noticed a situation when hearing loss seemed to be an issue, start by asking about how they felt in that environment. You can ask if they had any trouble communicating, as well. When you ask these questions, your loved one will have an opportunity to open up without feeling pressured. That pressure can ramp up the emotions and resistance, but open-ended questions are a great way to keep the conversation cool and comfortable.
Offer Support
If your loved one admits that hearing loss has been an issue, then it is your opportunity to offer your support. You can use this conversation as a time to describe what you know about getting a hearing test. Rather than suggesting that hearing loss is a sure thing, take the opportunity to recommend simply getting it checked out. Our hearing health professionals are here to provide a full diagnosis of hearing ability and needs. We use our expertise to not only identify hearing and communication issues but also to recommend the right treatment for your loved one’s individual needs. If you suggest scheduling a hearing test, take the opportunity to offer your support through the process. You can give a ride to the appointment and give moral support through the experience. You can even think of this as an opportunity to connect with one another. When you offer your support, the encounter with potential hearing loss might feel less scary. Knowing that you will embark on the bath toward treatment together is a sure way to make your loved one feel supported, connected, and cared for. If at any point you find resistance from your loved one, don’t push too hard. This first conversation can be one of many attempts at opening the topic. One moment of communication might be enough to plant a seed in the mind of your loved one, raising awareness of the possibility of hearing loss and the potential for treatment in the future. Contact us today.