How to Encourage a Loved One to Get a Hearing Test

by Laura L. Brady, AuD, CCC-A

Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center

  Hearing loss generally happens gradually over a long period of time. Often, the subtle, and not-so-subtle, signs of hearing difficulty are more apparent to partners than they are to the person with the hearing loss.

  For a variety of reasons – concerns about the cost of hearing aids, self-image, acceptance of aging, vanity, etc. – we often hear of those who are reluctant to have their hearing tested. It can be a tough conversation to have with a loved one.

  Hopefully, these tips will help:

1. Start with encouraging your loved one to “just” get a screening, as part of any annual check-up. We offer a free, online screening at chsc.org/screening.

2. Schedule back-to-back hearing tests. Having a trusted person tag along and share the same experience can be reassuring.

3. Let your loved one know that you are aware that they are having difficulty hearing, that you’ve noticed that he/she frequently asks people to repeat themselves or misunderstands what was said, or that the TV volume is uncomfortably loud.

4. Explain that the longer you wait to treat hearing loss, the harder the adjustment can be. In most cases, untreated hearing loss worsens over time. We know that early detection and treatment of hearing loss improves the prognosis. Research shows that untreated hearing loss actually causes brain tissue to shrink.

5. Reassure your loved one that he/she won’t be forced to buy anything. The audiologists at Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center are licensed professional audiologists, not hearing aid dealers. While we do sell and dispense hearing aids as part of appropriate care, we won’t “sell” you more than you need or anything you don’t feel ready to purchase.

6. Explain that when he/she is ready to treat their hearing loss, there are many options. We dispense a wide variety of products from top manufacturers to meet each person’s needs. Some are so small you can’t even see them, so no worrying about “looking old.”

7. Know that we will work within your budget. We accept Care Credit and many insurance plans including An­them, UAW, and some Medicare Advantage plans. Also, financial help is available for Cuyahoga County resi­dents through our Audiology Patient Assistance grant-funded program.

For more information, or to schedule a hearing test, call 440-838-1477.

Opinions and claims expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ScripType Publishing.