How to Approach Your Parents About Hearing Aids

You visit your parents’ home and discover that the television is blaring, people are repeating themselves constantly when they talk, and there is requests over and over to repeat what has already been said.  The key is to be open, respectful, and honest with your parent. This is a decision that is often based on pride and personal preference, so do not try to be forceful or adamant. Allow them to make the decision, but be prepared to point out the benefits that a digital hearing aid will offer.  Approaching the topic of the need for a hearing aid can be tricky, but can be done with respect and dignity.

First of all, be honest and open. Ask them if they have had trouble with their hearing in the recent past, and how they feel about possibly wearing a hearing aid. This opens the door for discussion, and you can begin to point out some of the dangers of their current behavior. For instance, you might discuss how if your parent keeps turning up the television to high volumes, it will damage his or her hearing even more. The shouting and constant repeating is another set of indicators that you can use to suggest that a hearing aid might make life easier.

Also, you can point out that the newer models of hearing aids are so small in some cases that no one will even know that the person is wearing one. The technology also offers a variety of choices, models, and styles that match the needs of the wearer. The cost is often covered, depending upon the parent’s age, possibly by Medicare or other insurance carrier that the individual carries.