Dealing with a loved one’s medical issues can be a touchy subject. It is very personal and sometimes embarrassing for the person to talk about.
Whatever is bothering you about their issue is multiplied ten-fold on their part. But love is the strongest tool in anyone’s toolbox, and we want to see them get better and help them through the process.
With May being National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we are excited to participate and support our patients and residents of Northern California.
We know how common hearing loss is and how hard it can be to talk about hearing loss.
Key Indicators That Your Loved One Is Suffering
Identifying hearing loss is the first step to addressing the subject. Expressing your concerns through examples could make it easier for your loved one to accept their condition.
- Media — Requesting that the TV or radio volume be turned up is commonly found as an initial sign of hearing loss.
- Regular Conversation — Your loved one may be continuously asking you to repeat yourself or blaming you for not speaking loud enough.
- Social Cues — Audible signaling is a part of life we all take for granted. Catching someone’s attention by saying their name should always get their attention.
- Difficulty Walking — Using our senses is how we navigate the world. When one of those senses is diminished, it becomes harder to perform basic tasks.
- Avoidance — By removing themselves from situations, your loved one is making a conscious effort to avoid scenarios where hearing may be difficult.
Do Some Preliminary Research
It will be much easier if you broach the subject carefully and compassionately. Try to be ready for any questions that may arise.
Your loved one may be concerned about the social stigma of wearing a hearing aid. If this is the case, then maybe you have another friend or family member that has already gained success with one. That person may be able to lend a hand in diffusing any irrational fears.
If your loved one is worried about the cost, then you can inform them of our insurance specialists who make it their duty to find every bit of help they possibly can.
Oftentimes, patients have coverage through work or other avenues that they did not know about until after speaking with one of our specialists.
Our website is full of resources that address a multitude of scenarios and concerns that our patients have addressed over the years. If you are looking for a one-stop-shop, then look no further.
Lead by Example
Since hearing care is a lifelong endeavor, offer to attend your loved one’s appointment with them.
You can even get a comprehensive hearing assessment yourself to show that you also care not only about their hearing but about your own as well.
Above all, we are here to help in any way we can. We have years of experience and training, but we can’t implement any of that without you and your loved one taking the first step.
Our offices are always available to answer any questions you have – contact us here.
