Aging comes with the increased likelihood of developing certain ailments or conditions, and hearing loss is one. Though it is as prevalent as loss of visual acuity, not all people who experience it prioritize getting hearing aids.
According to the International Journal of Audiology, 80 percent of people aged 55 to 74 years old would improve their quality of life if they wore hearing aids. However, many of them choose not to, for various reasons.
Why Do People Choose Not to Wear Hearing Aids?
Some people refuse to wear hearing aids because they believe these apparatuses to be too expensive. Others dislike how hearing aids look, while others claim their hearing loss is manageable without one. Some people who have tried wearing hearing aids say that using them is unwieldy—at most, they are willing to use them sometimes.
It is crucial for family and loved ones of persons wearing hearing aids to be supportive and open them to a discussion instead of badgering them to get themselves fitted for one. Most of these reasons stem from anxiety, so combating it with facts would help. Here are things you could do to convince your older loved one to start wearing a hearing aid.
Tell Them about the Benefits of Wearing a Hearing Aid
The most significant upside you could highlight is that their hearing will improve. Hearing aids today have more functionality, though. Your loved one’s hearing aid might have Bluetooth, allowing connections to their phone or tablet and giving them the best audio listening or viewing experience.
Some hearing aids also track the number of steps you make and other activities that monitor your health. Finally, some hearing aids have fall alerts that can notify loved ones or caregivers if the wearer gets in an accident. These are not the only benefits you can get—your audiologist can explain all the features of the hearing aid you will choose.
Go Through Different Types of Hearing Aids with Them
Besides benefits, you might also want to consider the type or style of hearing aid. There are ITE or in-the-ear hearing aids, which come in two types. One fills the outer ear, while the other fills only the lower part of the ear. Another hearing aid is ITC or in-the-canal aids, custom appliances that you can barely see because they fit inside the ear. There are also CIC or completely-in-the-canal hearing aids, the least visible option. Finally, BTE or behind-the-ear is the most traditional style.
Remind Them That You Are There for Support
Let your loved ones know that their hearing loss affects you too. Gently help them realize that the condition causes them to repeat themselves and listen to the radio or watch TV at a higher volume. If everyone is making compromises for them, working around the hearing loss, they might not realize the seriousness of the problem.
To prevent your older loved ones from feeling bad, emphasize that you are there to support them as they get used to wearing a hearing aid. You can drive them to the audiologist, work out the appliance, or give emotional support however they might need it.
You can write down questions they have about their hearing aid so you can cover all their concerns at their next appointment. Take notes during the session and ask the audiologist how you can make the process easier. The audiologist will teach both of you how to care for the hearing aid.
Conclusion
A hearing aid helps improve an older person’s quality of life. Sometimes, though, a person with hearing loss is reluctant to wear a hearing aid. Explaining the benefits of having one and showing them how to use it properly should help put them at ease.
Celebrate crystal-clear hearing when you consult with Hear More Associates. We are the most trusted hearing care specialists in Lexington, Greater Boston, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, and our specialists have more than 30 years of combined experience in providing expert care for hearing health. Schedule your appointment today!
