There are situations in which a hearing test is something you need to convince your family and friends they should have.
If you live with a person who struggles from the inability to hear, it can make it difficult to communicate.
This happens even if the individual doesn't realize it is occurring.
Since this loss is something that occurs over a period of time, rather than suddenly, in most cases, it is easy for even those who live with the individual to not realize what is occurring.
Yet, it is always important to take action if there is some sign of loss present.
What to Do If you suspect that a loved one may need a hearing test, the first step in the process is to discuss the condition with the person in a non- stressful manner.
Most people do not take well to this type of information because it can be so impactful to their daily life.
Some may even suspect something is wrong, especially as the condition worsens, but will not approach the subject on their own.
When you bring it up, do so in a non- threatening manner.
- Point out an individual's loss of ability to hear.
For example, show the individual facts about what is occurring.
Show how often they need to ask you to repeat a sentence.
Ask them if they can hear well on the phone.
- Discuss if a person's parents struggled with loss.
In some cases, this type of loss is hereditary.
- Point out reasons why it may be occurring.
Those who work in a loud environment without protection are most prone to these types of problems.
- Discuss the person's change in lifestyle, if this is occurring.
Those who stay away from friends and family or no longer attend functions they once did may be having some type of loss.
- Discuss any doctor's information presented.
In some cases, if the doctor says an individual is struggling from a loss of the ability to hear, evident from an appointment or screening, it is a good idea to pursue additional testing.
It is not easy to approach a subject like this with an individual who needs help.
However, what they may not realize is that there is help available.
Individuals who struggle to hear and face a gradual loss may in fact be the ideal candidates for treatment using various devices.
This can drastically improve their ability to hear and, in return, provide a great deal of improvement to their quality of life.
Ultimately, they may not like the sound of a hearing test, but getting treatment may be worth it.