Gradual hearing loss: How can you help your loved one?

10 min.

Publication Date: 12 December 2018

Do you suspect your partner, parents or a friend have hearing loss? This is how you, as a loved one, can best help using the six-stage strategy!

Stage 1: Raise awareness and point out specific hearing problems.

Sensitively but firmly point out to the affected person if their hearing difficulties are causing communication problems or misunderstandings: “Maybe you didn’t understand me correctly?”, “Did you turn up the TV volume because you find the dialog in the film hard to understand?”, or “Why don’t you use the phone any more?” But bear in mind that this is a very delicate matter. Always be sensitive, defensive and calming!

Stage 2: Lower the fear threshold and break down prejudices

Repeatedly point out that these days hearing aids are a brilliant, stylish accessory, and comparable to glasses. What’s more, remove the person’s fear of the technology being complicated – because modern hearing aids are really easy to use. The costs should also not be an obstacle, even models covered by the health insurance are very good, modern devices.

Stage 3: Generate enthusiasm

Tell the person concerned all the things they can experience and do again thanks to hearing aids. Examples include noticing the rustling of leaves and the twittering of birds on walks, never again missing the doorbell and chatting to friends and family easily. They can also make phone calls and watch TV comfortably and effortlessly thanks to the direct connection between their smartphone or TV set and the hearing aid.

Stage 4: Show you’re on their side and go together!

“Let’s tackle this together! I’ll arrange an appointment for you with the acoustician and we’ll go together!” It’s important to be sensitive and psychologically skilled when going about this. The following trick can be helpful: “Let’s go together – then I’ll also do a hearing test there and then. It’s quite possible that I’ll also need a hearing aid in the end!”

Stage 5: Offer support and create acceptance

You’ve done it! Your loved one has been persuaded and has done a hearing test. Now they’re wearing a brand new hearing aid which still needs to be optimally adjusted. But beware, the goal has not quite been reached! This is because if the person affected isn’t persuaded of the benefit of the hearing aid, they will reject it and refuse to wear it.

Stage 6: Enjoy together

Enjoy their restored quality of life and new-found freedom with your loved one. Go out or go to a concert. Listen to the sounds of nature on walks and enjoy chatting, gossiping and philosophizing together!

Author

Connect Hearing