{"id":14472,"date":"2024-08-28T19:51:22","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T19:51:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/?p=14472"},"modified":"2025-12-03T11:13:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T11:13:51","slug":"how-to-talk-to-a-senior-loved-one-about-getting-a-hearing-aid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/resources\/how-to-talk-to-a-senior-loved-one-about-getting-a-hearing-aid\/","title":{"rendered":"How to talk to a senior loved one about getting a hearing aid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Age-related hearing loss is common, but it can be tough for a senior to accept that they may need a hearing aid. Consider these tips when talking about hearing aids with a senior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Written by: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/author\/emilystarbuckg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Emily Starbuck Gerson<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite the certainty of aging, we tend to resist it and struggle to accept the changes. It\u2019s a normal human reaction, but it can challenge&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/guides\/family-caregiving\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family caregivers<\/a>, especially when it comes to broaching the topic of needing hearing aids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:33px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo one wants to believe that they are getting old,\u201d explains&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/milehighpsychotherapy.com\/meet-the-therapists\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indigo Stray Conger<\/a>, licensed marriage and family therapist with Mile High Psychotherapy in Colorado. \u201cDeclining with age represents a loss of autonomy and independence that can never be reversed and will end with death. Depending on medical devices for basic functioning can bring up feelings of mortality and existential dread beyond simple hearing loss.\u201d&nbsp; So how can you overcome these barriers and talk to your loved one about getting hearing aids? Experts share their best advice below.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:33px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_36 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/resources\/how-to-talk-to-a-senior-loved-one-about-getting-a-hearing-aid\/#When_to_bring_up_hearing_aids\" title=\"When to bring up hearing aids\">When to bring up hearing aids<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/resources\/how-to-talk-to-a-senior-loved-one-about-getting-a-hearing-aid\/#Common_objections_to_needing_a_hearing_aid_-_and_how_to_overcome_them\" title=\"Common objections to needing a hearing aid \u2014 and how to overcome them\">Common objections to needing a hearing aid \u2014 and how to overcome them<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/resources\/how-to-talk-to-a-senior-loved-one-about-getting-a-hearing-aid\/#Tips_for_discussing_hearing_aids_with_seniors\" title=\"Tips for discussing hearing aids with seniors\">Tips for discussing hearing aids with seniors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/resources\/how-to-talk-to-a-senior-loved-one-about-getting-a-hearing-aid\/#The_bottom_line_on_talking_to_a_senior_loved_one_about_a_hearing_aid\" title=\"The bottom line on talking to a senior loved one about a hearing aid\">The bottom line on talking to a senior loved one about a hearing aid<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-to-bring-up-hearing-aids\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_bring_up_hearing_aids\"><\/span>When to bring up hearing aids<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While hearing loss significant enough for hearing aids can happen anytime, it commonly starts in our 50s, according to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/audiospeech.ubc.ca\/faculty-staff\/academic-faculty\/lorienne-jenstad-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lorienne M. Jenstad<\/a>, an audiologist, who holds her doctorate in audiology with a focus on hearing aid processing for older adults, and associate professor at the University of British Columbia\u2019s School of Audiology and Speech Sciences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAbout 25% of people in their 60s could benefit from hearing aids, and this number rises to about 80% of people 80 years and older,\u201d notes Jenstad. Many factors lead to age-related hearing loss and can accumulate over time, she says, which could include genetic predisposition, damage from loud noise exposure, medications and certain diseases.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some people wonder, \u201cDo I need a hearing aid?\u201d But hearing loss is often a gradual process, and for many, so is the process of recognizing and accepting it. So start floating concerns before it\u2019s critical, Conger says. \u201cDon\u2019t expect them to agree to utilize a hearing aid the same day you talk with them, or even the same year,\u201d Conger adds. In fact, Jenstad says it can take seven to 10 years for people to address their hearing loss.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Charmaine Conaghan, the executive director and owner of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/\">Always Best Care North Shore<\/a>, an in-home senior care company, a certified senior advisor and certified dementia practitioner has found that addressing hearing loss is especially vital for seniors with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/dealing-with-dementia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">memory loss or dementia<\/a>.&nbsp; \u201cHearing loss can exacerbate dementia; it further isolates them and makes their world even smaller,\u201d she explains. \u201cIf you\u2019re not using your brain to interact with people because you can\u2019t hear them, your memory will decline that much more quickly.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAbout 25% of people in their 60s could benefit from hearing aids, and this number rises to about 80% of people 80 years and older.\u201d\u2014Lorienne M. Jenstad, an audiologist<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-objections-to-needing-a-hearing-aid-and-how-to-overcome-them\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_objections_to_needing_a_hearing_aid_-_and_how_to_overcome_them\"><\/span>Common objections to needing a hearing aid \u2014 and how to overcome them<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bringing up hearing aids with your loved one can elicit complicated feelings, and it likely isn\u2019t a one-and-done conversation but an ongoing discussion. As you start introducing the idea, here are some common objections to prepare for.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-they-re-too-expensive\">They\u2019re too expensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conaghan and Jenstad both find that price is a top objection to hearing aids. That\u2019s no surprise since many&nbsp;insurers, including traditional Medicare \u2014 don\u2019t cover hearing aids (some&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicare.gov\/coverage\/hearing-aids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Medicare Advantage\/Part C plans<\/a>&nbsp;do).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jenstad says it can help to explain \u201cthat the sticker price of hearing aids usually includes the devices themselves, the professional\u2019s time for hearing assessment, individualized fitting and adjustment of the hearing aids, and follow-up care.\u201d She says there\u2019s usually a trial period that can offer time to make a final call.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conaghan adds that hearing aids come in a wide range of price points, and some big box stores offer benefits like a one-time replacement of a lost pair, which can allay financial fears.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-i-don-t-want-to-deal-with-batteries\">I don\u2019t want to deal with batteries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Batteries on old-school hearing aids are a headache and extra cost, Conaghan says. \u201cI\u2019ve had clients stop using hearing aids because of the batteries since they notoriously have a short life, you go through them so quickly, they\u2019re fickle, and they\u2019re hard to get in and out, especially for older fingers,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But things are changing: \u201cNowadays, there are hearing aids that are chargeable, and oh my gosh it\u2019s so much easier!\u201d Conaghan says. Her husband just got rechargeable hearing aids, which have a charging case similar to AirPods and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/technology-for-seniors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">technology<\/a>&nbsp;like Bluetooth connectivity that uses hearing aids for calls.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-i-hear-just-fine\">I hear just fine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since age-related hearing loss is gradual and early stages are subtle, Jenstad says, someone may still hear adequately in quiet settings. Hearing eventally becomes harder in noisy backgrounds, but some people experience denial and say the problem is just their environment \u2014 not their hearing, Jenstad explains.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When your loved one claims their hearing isn\u2019t a problem or blames it on outside factors, it\u2019s helpful to gently highlight examples of when they struggled to hear.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-it-s-not-your-business\">It\u2019s not your business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seniors may react by insisting it\u2019s not of anyone else\u2019s concern, says Conger. But that\u2019s incorrect.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere is a lot of evidence that hearing loss impacts not only the individual, but their communication partners as well, and the most powerful way to see change happen is to be clear about the impact on others,\u201d Jenstad says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conger suggests using \u201cI\u201d statements to frame your concerns, which makes them harder to dismiss. For example, Conger says, the statement, \u201cYou can\u2019t hear me when I talk to you on the phone anymore\u201d is far less impactful than this: \u201cI was really scared when I was trying to tell you something important over the phone and you couldn\u2019t understand what I was saying.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jenstad recommends a multi-pronged approach when possible: Start with something factual, like, \u201cI\u2019ve noticed that you often ask me to repeat myself when we\u2019re talking.\u201d Then state the impact on the family member, like, \u201cI am concerned this is impacting our relationship.\u201d Then, end with a clear ask, such as, \u201cI\u2019d like for both of us to get our hearing checked,\u201d Jenstad says.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-i-don-t-want-people-to-see-i-m-wearing-hearing-aids\">I don\u2019t want people to see I\u2019m wearing hearing aids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While not the case for everyone, \u201cthere are complex concerns about image when wearing hearing aids, including stigma, or fear of seeming older,\u201d Jenstad says. \u201cI reassure people that hearing aids themselves are often much less noticeable than hearing loss.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plus, as technology rapidly changes and improves, hearing aids now come in a variety of styles, colors and sizes, and some are\u00a0invisible\u00a0when fitted correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-i-don-t-know-where-to-start\">I don\u2019t know where to start<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once someone accepts their hearing loss, the next steps may be unclear. \u201cPeople with hearing loss often express to me their fear about how much research they feel they need to do in advance to choose the right hearing aid or understand all their options before they seek help,\u201d Jenstad says.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She adds that this is different from other big purchases like a car; it\u2019s a medical device that comes with experts to help with hearing aids for seniors. \u201cTheir audiologist can help guide them towards solutions that will work best for their own hearing loss, lifestyle, and listening needs,\u201d she says.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis is not just about hearing aids; the thing about getting older that family caregivers tend to forget is as we age and parts of our body start to fail us, we start losing control. Many of the objections that seniors pose are surrounding control, and if you\u2019re losing control of your life by inches, you\u2019re going to take some control where you can get it.\u201d&nbsp;\u2014Charmaine Conaghan, a certified senior advisor and certified dementia practitioner<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tips-for-discussing-hearing-aids-with-seniors\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_discussing_hearing_aids_with_seniors\"><\/span>Tips for discussing hearing aids with seniors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that you\u2019re prepared for how to counter objections to hearing aids, here are some expert tips on making your discussions more productive and supportive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-back-up\">Back up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before automatically assuming your loved one needs hearing aids, explore other solutions first, Jenstad suggests. It\u2019s both practical and can soften the blow to a senior\u2019s pride.&nbsp; \u201cGoing for a hearing test is less of a commitment, so it might be easier to take that step just to find out what\u2019s going on,\u201d she says. \u201cThe audiologist may have suggestions for hearing help that are not about hearing aids. It could be as simple as impacted wax in the ear canal that can be removed!\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lead-with-love\">Lead with love<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFamily member concerns about hearing loss can be dismissed if they are seen as nagging or angry,\u201d Jenstad says. \u201cThe best approach to raising concerns is clear, gentle and loving.\u201d Likewise, Conger advises to \u201ckeep impatience, judgment and negative emotion out of your tone.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than starting off with a big, intimidating talk, Conger suggests occasionally pointing out hearing issues in real time to plant seeds for a more serious conversation later. For example, pointing out that you\u2019re having to speak very loudly to be heard by them.&nbsp; Conaghan adds that&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/a-guide-to-family-caregiver-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family caregivers<\/a>, especially younger ones, should be aware of the emotion in this process and listen to objections with empathy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-take-your-time\">Take your time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Operate on your loved one\u2019s timetable, which is different for everyone. Conaghan remembers it taking her mother four long years to begrudgingly get hearing aids. But her husband just got them on his own volition in his fifties after recognizing it was a problem worth addressing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Forcing, rushing or guilt-tripping someone is unproductive, and it might backfire, Conaghan says. \u201cThis is not just about hearing aids; the thing about getting older that family caregivers tend to forget is as we age and parts of our body start to fail us, we start losing control,\u201d Conaghan notes. \u201cMany of the objections that seniors pose are surrounding control, and if you\u2019re losing control of your life by inches, you\u2019re going to take some control where you can get it.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pushing someone who\u2019s not ready to get hearing aids could make them feel out of control or even embarrassed, Conaghan says. This could cause them to double down since it doesn\u2019t feel like their decision. So you can nudge, but don\u2019t force it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-make-it-personal\">Make it personal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We mentioned earlier how it can help to emphasize impacts on family. Another tactic, which could resonate better with some, is pointing out ways it\u2019s impacting&nbsp;<em>them<\/em>. Conger suggests tailoring your approach to their personality.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf you know your loved one enjoys the independence of driving, express how worried you are about the dangers of driving without being able to hear everything,\u201d she shares as an example. Another, she adds, is if they love time with grandkids, point out how nice it would be to hear everything and therefore feel fully engaged when playing together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-bottom-line-on-talking-to-a-senior-loved-one-about-a-hearing-aid\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_bottom_line_on_talking_to_a_senior_loved_one_about_a_hearing_aid\"><\/span>The bottom line on talking to a senior loved one about a hearing aid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accepting that we\u2019re&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/helping-seniors-navigate-emotional-effects-of-aging\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">aging and losing abilities<\/a>&nbsp;is just plain hard for that person and their family. If your loved one\u2019s hearing loss is becoming noticeable or problematic, it\u2019s easier for everyone when you avoid making demands, Conaghan says. It goes smoother when you gently point out issues, address objections with patience and support them on their journey in their own timeline.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While it\u2019s easy to view getting hearing aids as a negative, Conaghan suggests instead finding ways to frame it as a positive decision that would improve their quality of life and make it richer.&nbsp;She says that means avoiding language like \u201cYou\u2019ve got to get this done\u201d and instead saying things like, \u201cMom, you can\u2019t hear&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/tips-for-managing-sandwich-generation-stress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">my toddler<\/a>&nbsp;using their first words; don\u2019t you want to hear that?\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It might be hard to go slow, especially if you\u2019re tired of repeating yourself. But this approach works far better than guilt tripping or forcing them and respects their complicated feelings at this stage of getting older, says Conaghan who concludes, \u201cYou have to respect their dignity.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Age-related hearing loss is common, but it can be tough for a senior to accept that they may need a hearing aid. Consider these tips when talking about hearing aids with a senior. Written by: Emily Starbuck Gerson Despite the certainty of aging, we tend to resist it and struggle to accept the changes. It\u2019s&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":14387,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[170],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14472","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":{"background_image_blog_posts":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14472","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14472"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14472\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14901,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14472\/revisions\/14901"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14387"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14472"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14472"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/glenview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14472"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}