Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t just get a hearing test once you first start noticing the signs of hearing loss. Rather, a hearing test is a useful tool that can be used to measure hearing health throughout your entire life. If done at regular intervals, a hearing test can be very effective at documenting hearing changes over time. And, it can be beneficial for early diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss.
What do you do, however, when you notice that someone you love has signs of hearing loss but won’t give in and get a hearing test? You want to help but you can’t or don’t want to force them to get tested. Here are some ways you can broach the topic and paint the picture of hearing health in a better light …
How Do You Get Your Loved One to Get a Hearing Test?
#1: Tell them that it’s recommended for people of all ages to get a hearing test.
Some people associate hearing tests with getting old. In actuality, hearing tests are recommended at every age – infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Simply put, a hearing test is the best way to track hearing changes over time.
When you tell your loved one that getting a hearing test is just like having an annual physical or regular dentist visit, they may be more open to scheduling an appointment. After all, you’re not saying they actually have hearing loss … you’re just reminding them that this is something that will help them assess hearing health on a regular basis.
#2: Explain the risks associated with untreated hearing loss.
Many people associate getting a hearing test with having to get hearing aids. It IS true that hearing tests will reveal the presence or absence of hearing loss. And, if hearing loss IS present, hearing technology may be recommended. However, hearing loss can lead to other problems if left untreated. Your loved one may be more agreeable to getting a hearing test if they know that untreated hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, cognitive decline, social isolation, and other health issues.
#3: Recruit friends and family to help.
If you’re the only person trying to convince your loved one of the need to get a hearing test, you’re making the battle more difficult for yourself. Discreetly ask friends and family members to speak up as well. When they know that their hearing loss also affects relationships with people they care about, your loved one may stop being so stubborn about simply scheduling a hearing test.
#4: Help them see that hearing technology are affordable.
Some people worry about the solution to a problem even before the problem has been fully diagnosed. For example, your loved one may believe that a hearing test will lead to a hearing loss diagnosis and eventually, hearing technology. If they can’t afford hearing aids, that may prevent them from scheduling a hearing evaluation in the first place.
If you want to help, do some research. Find out if your loved one’s health insurance covers audiology services or hearing technology. You can also ask local hearing aid providers whether they offer hearing technology financing or hearing treatment plan.
#5: Talk to your local audiologist or hearing healthcare professional.
Professionals who have worked in hearing healthcare or the hearing technology industry for years have likely heard every excuse and concern in the book. If you aren’t able to convince your loved one to get a hearing test, talk to an audiologist or hearing professional in your area for additional tips and ideas.
Hearing Tests and Audiology Services in Caldwell and Meridian
At Everything Hearing, we offer a variety of audiology services at both our Caldwell and Meridian locations, including hearing tests. A thorough hearing evaluation by our hearing specialists can help determine the presence, type, and severity of hearing loss. Armed with this information, an appropriate hearing loss treatment plan can be formulated, which may or may not include hearing technology.
If you or a loved one are ready for a hearing test today, simply schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations. It could change your life!
