These scenes are often played out in most homes across the world. As a child, you were always excited for a visit to grandma’s place. But, once she opens the door, you are with the full volume of the TV like a boulder. Or, you know how it is usually at the dinner table – while everyone is talking and enjoying, you see a blank look plastered on grandma’s face and a silent plea to understand, or rather hear what’s happening.

Hearing loss is a common problem that many older adults face. However, it is really hard when a family member, especially one who’s played a huge part in your upbringing has difficulty in hearing. You cannot just let it slide.

If you want to get help for your grandma’s hearing loss – and also to put a stop to your eternal-like suffering from tinnitus and hyper-acoustic bouts – try the following tips to talk your grandma into a hearing aid.

#1. You Have To Be A Good Listener

Older family members will hardly ever admit that they have trouble hearing. Sitting at the dinner table, they may basically withdraw once they cannot understand or hear what’s being discussed.

And, once you start interfering, some of the excuses they like to give are:

• You were speaking too softly, it’s normal I couldn’t hear anything.
• I heard you, I just missed a few words here and there.
• If I really a hearing problem, I would have known.

It always starts with denial.

Put yourself in the shoes of your grandparent and understand how they are rooted in fear of losing their hearing. However, if you lend an ear, you might just know how to solve the problem.

#2. Show That You “Get It”

Older adults can appear patronizing sometimes to younger people, but I doubt they appreciate the same favor when the roles are reversed.

Try to avoid pressuring them and be empathetic and loving. If you are going to a restaurant, choose the quieter spot. If you are in for a night at the movie theater, make them sit at the front. When you are having a conversation, make sure the TV or the radio (or any other noise source) is turned off.

#3. Offer To Always Accompany Them

No matter how you approach it, hearing loss can be devastating for your grandpa or grandma and so, they are more likely to stay in denial.

Your responsibility would be to schedule an appointment with the best audiologist and the best out there is Dr. Rebekah Tripp from Choice Audiology who highly believes that anyone, respective of their age and background, deserves to have access to affordable and pre-eminent hearing health care.

If you are concerned about your grandparent’s hearing problem, offer to go with them for the appointment. Trust me, your support will represent much for your grandparent.

#4. Talk About The Importance Of Treating Hearing Loss

Recent researches have proved that aging parents can grow unexpectedly stubborn, especially when they feel like they are being given order by their children.

Instead of yelling and frustratedly repeating the same things to your aging parents, try to emphasize more on the benefits of getting treatment for hearing loss. Using the fact that wearing hearing aids can take a few decades off your age can be a nice trick to use.

If it still doesn’t work, try dramatizing the problems associated with hearing problems such as:

• Extreme depression risk
• Increased risk of developing dementia
• Higher fall risk and higher chances of ending up in the ER

 

So, if you are ready to schedule a hearing test for your grandma, contact Choice Audiology.