How to Convince a Family Member to Wear a Hearing Aid?

A study published in the International Journal of Audiology predicts that 80% of adults aged between 55-74 who need hearing aids don’t use them. That is a worrying percentage because hearing loss problems will continue to develop and have a far-reaching impact on their overall quality of life unless they see an audiologist and get fitted for hearing aids. 

There are a few reasons why people do not wear hearing aids. In many cases, people do not realize there is a change to their hearing because it happens gradually. While others around them may notice that they are turning the TV up louder or mishearing you during conversation, the person in question doesn’t see an issue. Some people are concerned about the way that hearing aids look and they think that it’s an indication that they are getting old. 

Whatever the reasons, it is important that you convince your family member to see an audiologist and get hearing aids as soon as possible. If you are finding it difficult to convince them, here are some things you can try. 

Offer to go with them 

Often, people are nervous about visiting the audiologist and they just need some support. Repeatedly telling a family member that they need to visit the audiologist can feel like you are attacking them and if they feel anxious about it, this will put them off even more. Instead, be supportive and offer to set up an appointment and go with them. Having your support will make the whole process much easier for them. 

Explain the impact 

When somebody has hearing loss, the people around them tend to adapt or accommodate it. That might mean turning up the TV for them or speaking louder so they can hear you. The problem is, they don’t realize how much impact it is having because everybody else is adapting to their hearing loss. It may help to explain this to them, so they understand how difficult it is for everybody around them. Knowing how much everybody else has changed their behavior will also help them to see the extent of their hearing loss. It may also be a good idea to take note of how many times they ask you to repeat something in a single day.

You should ask them questions to help them understand the personal impact too. For example, ask them if they have difficulty in social situations and wish they could get involved with conversations more. The chances are, they do, and this will make them realize that their hearing loss is impacting their quality of life. 

Show them some modern hearing aids 

Hearing aid technology has come a long way and there are many different options available. But a lot of people assume that they are going to come away from their appointment with the audiologist with some bulky hearing aids. However, there are some great low-profile options that are barely noticeable while you are wearing them. If you show them some of the different hearing aids that are available to them, especially the small, low-profile options, this will alleviate a lot of their worries about the way that hearing aids look. 

Understanding the investment

Hearing aids are an investment in your health, so it’s important to find the right models that fit your specific needs. Your audiologist will work with you to find the right match of style and features to fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for something discreet like an in-the-canal device or want to be able to load up on features with a behind-the-ear model, you will be given the right guidance on finding your perfect device. 

Convincing a family member to visit the audiologist can be tough, especially if they don’t think that there is a problem. However, once you get them through the door and they sit down with the audiologist, they will soon be convinced of the many benefits of hearing aids. These simple tricks should help you get them to take that important first step. 

If you are concerned about a family member with hearing loss, get in touch with Gavin Audiology at (914) 610-3440 to learn more about hearing aids and how they can help.