The holiday season is meant to be celebrated with joy. One thing that can dim this celebratory mood is hearing loss.
It’s often a struggle for families to help their loved ones cope with hearing loss. Talking is the first step, but often people don’t know how to bring up the topic. Here are some ideas from the audiologists at Buffalo Hearing & Speech to initiate the conversation before the holidays arrive.
Keep your language compassionate, not accusatory. For example, rather than saying “You can’t hear me when I talk,” try, “I’m concerned by how often you ask people to repeat themselves.”
Focus on the benefits of treatment and be specific. Try to provide real-life examples such as, “You’ll be able to hear your grandson sing in church,” or, “When Uncle Bill tells that joke you love, you’ll be able to hear every word.”
Ease your loved one into the idea of testing for hearing loss. Try an online hearing test, such as the one available at www.starkey.com. Answering a few short questions and listening to a series of tones takes only a few minutes, and can help give you both an idea of any hearing issues that might require professional attention.
WNY Resource:
Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center has locations in Buffalo, Williamsville, West Seneca and Wheatfield. Learn about upcoming free educational seminars, receive a free hearing guide and take an online hearing test at www.buffalohearingcenter.com. Ongoing seminars include, “Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids: What’s Best for Me?” “What’s New in Tinnitus Management?” and “Adjusting to Amplification.” See dates, times and locations on page 45, or call 716-885-8318.
