It is not uncommon for people to be wary of seeing health professionals. Trips to the doctor’s office can inspire anxiety, dread, and fear—often because we are afraid of potentially bad news and it’s easier to put it off than deal with the consequences. While we may eventually be convinced to visit our general practitioners or our dentists, we less frequently feel compelled to visit a hearing specialist.
It is very important to not procrastinate when tracking our hearing capabilities because hearing health does not only affect our abilities to simply hear. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to a whole host of other ailments, ranging from accidents and falls to potentially devastating conditions such as dementia. People with untreated hearing loss may become gradually more withdrawn from their world. It may be difficult for them to follow and participate in conversations, and they may appear checked out or unwilling to participate in group events or even attend busy, crowded spaces where there is a lot of competing noises that make it difficult to comprehend speech.
Because of these risks of untreated hearing loss, encouraging yourself or a loved one to get a hearing test is a great step in establishing long-lasting health. If you have a loved one who is experiencing some form of hearing loss, you may naturally feel the need to help them. However, hearing loss can be a very sensitive subject to broach. While the loss of one’s hearing can be a difficult situation to address, there are ways you can encourage them to seek the help they need. Here are some tips you can use to get through to your loved one.
Everyone Should Have Hearing Tests
Everyone should have regular hearing screenings with the appropriate hearing care professional no matter their age. This is similar to having to undergo an annual examination with your physician or having to visit your dentist office for professional teeth cleanings. The hearing screenings are important because they allow you to identify any changes in your hearing that need to be addressed. When approached from the perspective that seeing a hearing care professional is something that everyone should be doing, your loved one may be more willing consider making an appointment.
Hearing Loss is Common and Treatable
Your loved one may also be comforted by the fact that many other people have successfully gone through the same situation that they are currently facing. There are numerous articles and websites on the internet about hearing loss and why it is important to seek professional care. You can share some of these resources to your loved one to help them realize that they can live a happier more functional life after getting help for their hearing loss.
Putting off a Hearing Test is Dangerous
Another way to convince a loved one to seek professional hearing health is to inform them about the risks of waiting to get their hearing loss treated. People who have a hearing loss wait an average of seven years before addressing the problem, and hearing loss that is untreated is very likely to get worse over time. Many forms of hearing loss are associated with other medical conditions, such as depression heart disease and dementia. You want to stress the urgency of your loved one’s situation so that they will be prompted to take action.
Be Prepared to Counter Objections
Some common objections for not getting hearing checked include the belief that one isn’t old enough to be losing hearing. Also, often they are embarrassed about wearing a hearing aid or that the test wont be worth the trouble. If you can be prepared with the right response to their objections you can often calm their concerns. Let them know that age is only one factor of hearing loss; certain medical conditions and the constant exposure to extremely loud noises can also affect one’s hearing. For loved ones concerned about wearing hearing aids, advise them that they are many different types of hearing aids from which they can choose, and that can suit their particular lifestyle.
Visit Us at Ear-Tronics
Help your loved one get the hearing care they need so they can start living the full and healthy life they deserve. Offer to support your loved one on their journey to better hearing. To schedule a comprehensive hearing test and consultation, contact us today at Ear-Tronics.