How Do I Know if My Loved One Needs a Hearing Test?

Hearing loss affects more than just the person with the condition — it impacts entire families. It can also cause long-term psychological and physical problems for your loved one. That’s why it’s so important to help your loved one recognize the problem, and seek help together.

At Miracle-Ear, we can help you begin the conversation toward a solution. But first you need to know the signs of hearing loss. If any of these traits sound familiar, professional testing by an authorized Miracle-Ear^® hearing consultant can help you determine the next best steps.

Your loved one may need a hearing test if he or she:

• Strains to hear normal conversation in one-on-one settings
• Confuses similar-sounding words, like "truck" and "trunk"
• Has difficulty hearing at the movies and the theater
• Becomes embarrassed or frustrated while trying to communicate in group settings
• Listens to the television or radio at a loud volume
• Is reluctant to engage in social situations

Once you’ve recognized the issue, it’s time to talk. Here are a few conversation starters‡ to help you get started. Remember, hearing loss can be a delicate topic for many people, so approach your conversation with compassion and you’re more likely to find a successful solution.

• Tell your loved one how much you value your relationship, so you want to make sure you can communicate as effectively as possible
• Keep TVs and radios at a normal volume and let your loved one know when he or she turns them up to an uncomfortable level
• If your loved one is resistant to getting help, and constantly asks you to repeat or interpret others, preface your help with an identifying phrase that lets him or her begin to realize how many times they depend on you.
• Another tip for resistance - create a telephone need. Force your loved one to make and receive his or her own phone calls. They will quickly understand how important it is to hear well.
• Once your loved one agrees to a hearing test, go together. Most hearing aid consultants require customers to bring a companion to the test. Plus, you can offer the moral support your loved one may need.

As a final step, call your Miracle-Ear hearing aid consultant today. We’ll help you schedule an appointment at a Miracle Ear location near you. With proper testing, you and your loved one can begin to learn about the best hearing solutions available.