How to Talk to Loved Ones About Hearing Aids or a Hearing Test When They are Hesitant

February 3, 2022

According to a study published in the International Journal of Audiology, 80% of adults between the ages of 55 and 74 who would benefit from wearing hearing aids don’t use them. Presbycusis or age related hearing loss occurs in 1 of 3 adults over 65 years of age. Presbycusis occurs very slowly over time and naturally occurs as we age in addition to the noise exposure we have endured in our life.

Without realizing it, we slowly begin to turn the volume up on hearing aids, move closer to people to hear better, or begin to lip read. And often, it is your frequent communication partner (FCP) that notices your hearing loss before you do. This is due to your loved ones having to adjust to your hearing needs. It is hard to have a real perception of your hearing loss when the people around you are making adjustments for you to hear them better such as raising their voice, talking slower, or repeating themselves.

For those with hearing aids, it is hard to imagine not having hearing aids as they are a crucial part of your life now, but there are many people who are hesitant of the idea.

Common Concerns About Hearing Aids

Vanity

Often times, people correlate hearing aids with older age. However, people of all ages wear hearing aids. Technology has advanced so much, hearing aids have a much smaller and sleeker look compared to the past. Hearing aids are typically matched to your hair, skin tone or glasses frame to be discreet as possible.

Hard to use

Hearing aids are a new piece of technology that many have never experienced before. While the proper use of hearing aids can take time to learn, just as anything else, with practice makes perfect! Our audiologists are here to guide you the entire time and to review the information as many times as it takes to make sure you are set for success!

Previous friend or family member disliking their hearing aids

While the technology in the hearing aid itself is an important factor, it is even more important to have an audiologist that only incorporates best practices. The fine tuning of your hearing aids for your specific listening needs is vital and may take multiple appointments until it is perfect for you.

Comfort

Having a hearing aid in your ear canals is a new experience for you and may take some time getting used to. It is the job of the audiologist to find the perfect fit for the anatomy of your ear canals. With time and patience, you may even forget they are in your ears!

Here are some tips to help guide them to see an audiologist:

If you have hearing aids, explain your experience with them so they can hear your perspective and have a positive experience to reflect on.
Kindly speak to them about how their hearing loss is affecting the lives of others and possibly affecting your relationship with them.
Offer to go to their appointment with them. Inform them that it will simply be a hearing examination just to see where they are and if needed, they can even trial a pair of hearing aids.
If they still decline, they may just need more time to process the idea. We are always here when they are ready!

Please feel free to send this article to any of your loved ones that may need a boost of encouragement! If you have any other questions or concerns about hearing aids or the fitting process, contact us today!

Interested in learning more? Attend one of our regular hearing solution events to learn more about our unique approach to hearing loss or give us a call at 916-646-2471.

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Schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists or audiologist assistants to start improving your hearing today.*

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Hearing evaluation and updates to existing aids. Fabulous results!

Friendly, professional, and honest. They hugely helped me navigate what steps to take to improve my misophonia (not tinnitus)

I felt that my concerns were listened to fully. And I quickly realized that I could benefit from Kristen’s level of professional skills. And where else would a staff member flag me down on the street to make sure I found the right building! I felt so pleased and comfortable in your office. Many thanks! Betsy Major

The office and staff were very nice. It is a very pleasant atmosphere. I saw Elizabeth and she was very friendly and professional. I enjoyed my visit and plan to return next month for a follow up.

Very friendly environment. Helpful and knowledgeable about hearing issues and resolution. I felt right at home here.

Very pleased with her professionalism.

I just participated in my first lip reading class with you. Wow! I am so grateful for the quality job you do in teaching me over zoom, how to better focus, hold and remember information. As I grow older (everyday!) I find my attention, patience and recall not working as well as I am used to. Thank you for teaching me such valuable lessons. I look forward to continuing with you!

Last summer I took my near-deaf sister to see Dr. Kristen. Within two hours she did the test, reprogrammed my late father’s Resound hearing aids, cleaning, and fitting. She walked out of the office, could even hear sounds from her back. Yesterday during her second service visit, Dr. Kristen even helped pull out her ear wax in both sides. Not only did she restore my sister’s hearing, her gentle, kind, and caring manners build up my sister’s confidence. She could even do zoom Bible study now. A great doctor with a beautiful heart!

A great visit, I learned a lot and of course, would highly recommend it! Looking forward to my next visit on the 8th. Am hoping to get the recipe for the best peanut butter cookie I've had since becoming a celiac too. Thank you Rita Thompson Thank you, Rita Thompson

On time, patient and caring. Seems very knowledgeable.

I left your office today without the opportunity to say thank you. I just wanted to write and tell you that my appointment today was by far the best experience I've had with any audiologist in my 20+ years of hearing loss. As I write this I am listening to Schubert songs and hearing them better than I have in years. No distortion! And German text fairly understandable, especially given my old, weathered, damaged ears. Thank you so much for your patience and your incredibly positive attitude throughout the process today. Looking forward to seeing you next week!

Going in is a pleasure. Everyone is courteous and makes you feel welcome. Very knowledgeable, helpful and timely. What more could you ask for?

Very professional and we'll be connected to processing claims for hearing loss with the Department of Labor

Very professional and kind.

The process of evaluation was very professional, comfortable, and unrushed. Kirsten is very easy to work with. I understand why Dr. Chang recommended her. All of my questions were answered in a clear manner, and I am confident in the process. My interactions with the office prior to the hearing evaluation were excellent. I look forward to the next visit. Best regards, Bill

Very friendly staff and goes that extra mile to make sure you have what you need. Thank you so much.

From my 1st appointment with Dr. McWilliams I knew I was in good hands. The level of care she provides is unmatched. My Urroz was also extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

As a physician, I am very particular about precision, attitude and patient care. I have had hearing problems for a number of years but was unsatisfied with my experience at Costco and the Major HMO in the Sacramento area. My experience at The Hearing Solution was dramatically better. From diagnosis through explanation through the careful trial periods of different brands the excellence of service, attentiveness to care and flexibility of service was outstanding. There is absolutedly no comparison between the mass market approach and The Hearing Solution. I would not have believed that the process of finding the proper hearing aid for myself could be so radically better. The Hearing Solution gets my highest rating.

One of the nicest professional places I have ever been. Very pleased and would recommend their services to anyone.

The staff is professional, thorough, and gracious. We could not have been happier. You are also met with refreshments and lovely sweets in the waiting room, the entire space is clean and beautifully appointed. 10/10.

The staff was pleasant, friendly, professional and explained the whole process. I could not have expected better service.

Provided a full and extensive hearing exam and matched a hearing aid that best met my needs. No high-pressure sales. Very friendly and professional. The hearing aids take a little to get used too but very happy. I Can hear out both ears for first time in five or six years.

You are tops!

I can not rave enough about the Hearing Solution in Sacramento. The staff is so friendly and efficient and you feel at home the minute you enter the office, The expertise of the audiologist and the technical assistants is superior. The “techies” are especially patient and are available to help you most any time. You will never leave there without your hearing needs being met.

Excellent, knowledgeable, professional, lovely. What else is there to say.

Very professional, thorough, patient, friendly, educational and beautiful office setting. No pressure to sell a product, take it at your own pace. Highly recommend Kirsten and staff.

I am thrilled with the service, responsiveness and assistance The Hearing Solution provides me. The service I received from my previous audiologist does not come close.

I loved everything about my experience with Hearing Solutions, Everyone is so nice and very accommodating through the whole process until we secured the right fit for me. I recommend The Hearing Solutions to everyone that has a hearing problem!!!