5 Tips for Talking to Your Parents About Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids
For people who have not accepted that they are experiencing hearing loss, the topics of hearing loss and hearing aids can be sensitive.
If you feel like a parent, spouse or other older loved one has developed hearing problems, you may be wondering how to talk to them about taking steps toward treating their hearing loss with hearing aids. Thankfully, there are ways to make the conversation easier:
This can make a discussion with your parents, as they age and potentially experience hearing loss, a difficult one. You may have noticed your mom or dad asking people to repeat themselves more often, turning up the TV volume too loud, or withdrawing from conversations. While it may feel awkward to bring it up, addressing hearing loss early can significantly improve their quality of life. Here are tips to help you approach the conversation with care, respect, and effectiveness.
Choose The Right Moment to Talk
Start with Empathy, Not Judgment
Begin the conversation from a place of concern and love rather than frustration. Avoid saying things like, “You never hear anything!” Instead, try something more compassionate, such as, “I’ve noticed you’ve been having trouble hearing lately, and I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
Remember, hearing loss can be an emotional topic. Many older adults fear it as a sign of aging or decline. Let them know that it’s a common issue and nothing to be embarrassed about. Around one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 experiences hearing loss, and it is treatable.
Normalize Hearing Aids
Many people still carry outdated ideas about hearing aids—that they’re bulky, obvious, or only for “old people.” Let them know that today’s hearing aids are discreet, smart, and highly customizable. Just as people wear glasses to improve their vision, hearing aids are simply tools to improve hearing.
- Modern Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids connect directly to iOS and Android smartphones for streaming, calls, and app-based adjustments. Pairing is done via phone Bluetooth settings or manufacturer apps, frequently using LE Audio or made for iPhone(MFi) technology. The manufacturers, Widex & Oticon support pairing with multiple devices for seamless switching.
Be Patient and Keep the Conversation Open
- Let them know, “Whenever you’re ready, I’m here to help.”
Focus on the Benefits of Treating Hearing Loss
- Improved Cognitive Health: Studies show hearing aids can slow cognitive decline and reduce dementia risk by keeping the brain engaged, even showing a 61.6% reduction in cognitive decline for those at high risk.
- Better Communication & Relationships: Treatment enhances understanding in conversations, reducing frustration and fostering closer connections with family and friends.
- Enhanced Safety & Awareness: Improved hearing increases spatial awareness, which can help prevent accidents and reduce the risk of falls.
- Boosted Mental & Emotional Health: Addressing hearing loss lowers the risk of depression, anxiety, and social isolation while increasing self-confidence.
- Increased Quality of Life & Mobility: Treatment improves one's ability to participate in hobbies, enjoy social activities, and stay active.
- Increased Longevity: Regular hearing aid use has been linked to a 24% reduction in the risk of early death.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov)
Offering Support and a Plan
- Do the initial research. Look up local audiologists and information about hearing aid technology. This can make the process less intimidating.
- Offer help and go with them. Offering to manage logistics and accompany them can be a huge source of support.
- Be patient with the adjustment period. Let them know that it can take time to get used to hearing aids. Encourage patience.
- Continue to be an advocate. After they get hearing aids, offer encouragement and help troubleshoot any issues with their audiologist.
Help Them on Their Hearing Loss Journey
If they aren’t ready to seek treatment after the initial conversation, that’s okay! For many, these conversations can be a process as opposed to an isolated event.
