How to Convince Someone They Have a Hearing Problem
Convincing someone that they have a problem hearing can be a daunting task
In many cases, a person who struggles to hear is less convinced than their friends or loved ones that action needs to occur. Typically people either don’t recognize that a problem exists or don’t realize how bad the problem has become. The most common forms of hearing loss occur very gradually, allowing the individual with the hearing loss to develop strategies that in their mind compensate for the hearing loss.
Those compensatory measures often include:
- Asking friends and family members to repeat information frequently.
- Increasing the volume on the radio or TV to a level that’s uncomfortable for individuals with normal hearing.
- Turning down competing noise when they’re trying to hear something. For example, turn the radio off in the car when they’re trying to hear someone else in the car speaking.
- Avoiding settings where they know they’ll struggle to hear. For example, movie theaters, parties and restaurants which tend to present the listener with a very noisy listening environment.
We suggest that you don’t try to convince your significant other, family member or friend that they can’t hear. Instead focus on a compromise: a baseline-hearing test. Everyone should have his or her hearing checked at least once. We all get an annual physical. Everything from our weight, to our height to our blood pressure is recorded and compared to both “normative” standards and our personal statistics from previous years. Changes are noted and if problems arise, the results and treatment plans are discussed. Your hearing is no different.
The status of your auditory system (all the parts that work together to allow you to hear) including your outer ear, ear canal, eardrum, middle ear and inner ear should be assessed periodically. A baseline test is a great idea for anyone. Even if you’re positive you have absolutely no problem hearing, that may change in a few years. If you notice a change, then your hearing healthcare professional will have something to compare to any future test results.
So stop trying to convince your significant other, friend or family member that they can’t hear.
Too often it becomes a battleground lasting for weeks, months or even years. Instead pick up the phone, call a doctor of audiology (Au.D.) and make an appointment.
Contributor:
Dr. Tom Goyne is an audiologist and maintains a private practice, Aberdeen Audiology. In addition to his practice, Dr. Goyne is a visiting lecturer at Salus University and serves as a consultant to other audiologists. He has served in several leadership capacities for audiology organizations on the national and state level.
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