I Don’t Want Hearing Aids!

As we age, we experience different changes in how we interact and engage with the world. In addition, the body processes sensory conditions differently, from how we see things to even the taste of food and how things smell.

Out of the five senses, the ability to hear can be considered one of the most important – and, therefore, can be difficult to correct as aging occurs. You aren’t alone if you are currently caring for an aging parent dealing with the adverse effects of hearing loss. The elderly want to maintain a sense of independence, which can be challenging when their hearing declines.

However, there are some ways that you can lovingly encourage your parent(s) to at least get a hearing test – and then, from there, specialists can work one on one with you and your family to determine if hearing aids are even necessary!  

Sit Down and Talk

While it can be uncomfortable to bring your parents together to discuss their hearing loss, it’s something that needs to be done. Thankfully, this can be done in a relaxed and calm way. Pick a time of the day that there isn’t much else going on. Maybe during a quiet moment in the morning, after an afternoon nap, and calmly ask how they’re doing. 

This can segway into asking about physical and mental health, and the issue of hearing can also be brought up. One of the last things you want to do in a conversation that might already come across as sensitive is blaming them for not being able to hear you or questioning why hearing loss is happening. The more open and honest you all can be will go a long way towards being able to perform a hearing test and getting the right help.

Current Hearing Tests

Your parents might be concerned about how a hearing test will go and what the procedure is, which is normal. Presenting them the necessary information can help them feel more at ease with getting tested. 

You can describe how a hearing test will go – no pain, just testing how well you can hear certain tones, pitches, and sounds. After that, a specialist can determine their level of hearing and can work with the hearing team to determine the best next steps to restoring your parent’s hearing.

Better Hearing Aids

Your parents might think they will be stuck with huge, obnoxious-looking hearing aids, which can certainly hold them back from getting tested! Thankfully, modern medicine has made hearing aids much smaller and easier to use – even so much as not being able to see them if they’re concerned about that! 

There are even hearing aids that can be recharged, similarly to how you would charge your iPhone or tablet. 

Bottom Line

It can be challenging to speak with your aging parents about hearing loss. Thankfully, setting them up for success by letting them know they have your full support can be encouraging. 

If you need more tips and information about the testing process for hearing loss and the following types of hearing aids available, speak with the specialists at Hearing Associates of Las Vegas. They can provide the assistance needed and help you and your parents feel secure and comfortable with the hearing aid process!