How To Convince a Family Member to Wear a Hearing Aid

Convincing a family member to try wearing a hearing aid can be tough. The conversation is often fraught with emotion and tends to lead nowhere as both parties butt heads. Trying a softer approach may yield better results and our tips below can help you guide your loved one onto the right path for better hearing.

#1 Take time to listen first

Although the solution to poor hearing may seem straightforward to you, there are many reasons your loved one may be resistant to trying hearing aids. For some, they’re worried about the way the hearing aid looks and how they will be perceived (eg, getting old). Others may be influenced by the negative stories of their hearing aid wearing peers who are dissatisfied with their experience. Don’t make assumptions and take the time to really listen. Oftentimes it’s not just a case of being stubborn, but rather justifiable concerns that have simple solutions. You don’t have to have all the answers – that’s where an audiologist comes in! – but it is important that your loved one knows you’re on their side and want to work with them.

#2 Focus on the positives!

Using fear as a motivator can cause your loved one to experience unnecessary anxiety and confusion about their choices, leading to further inaction. Try to talk to your loved one about the benefits they can expect to gain from wearing hearing aids rather than the negatives of not doing so. For example, instead of saying “If you don’t wear hearing aids you’re going to miss out on everything that’s said at the party next week”, try saying, “If you wear hearing aids, you’ll be able to really enjoy the speeches made at the party next week”. By framing the use of hearing aids around the potential benefit and reward they can expect, your loved one will be more motivated to use them. The more specific you can be with names, places and events that are important to your loved one, the easier it will be for them to imagine a life where hearing aids provide those benefits.

#3 Be willing to provide support

Hearing loss can be an extremely isolating experience as it hampers communication and separates people from their loved ones. Yet, many individuals with hearing loss will go through their hearing journey alone, without attendance of loved ones at their appointments and with minimal support at home. Be willing to take that extra step and assure your loved one that you will be there with them throughout the journey. Attend their appointments and provide a different perspective on their experience, learn how to manage their hearing aids along with them and provide support at home when they struggle with handling their devices. Audiologists love when family members attend appointments so don’tfeel shy to come along and ask as many questions as needed to help you understand the situation.

Ready for the Next Step?

If you have been able to convince a family member to try hearing aids or have their hearing tested, then call up for an appointment with one of our qualified audiologists on 1300 761 667.

Glenn Wheatley’s name has been synonymous with the Australian entertainment industry for the past 40 years.  From forming and managing the Little River Band to producing the two highest-selling Australian albums of all time (John Farnham’s Whispering Jack and Delta Goodrem’s Innocent Eyes), Glenn’s passion and talent has painted a musical landscape in Australia which transcends generations.

Like many in the entertainment industry however, Glenn’s success has been accompanied by challenges including tinnitus and hearing loss, which Glenn puts down to his exposure to live, loud music over extended periods.  Diagnosed with tinnitus (perceived sound or ringing in the ears) in London during his bass-playing days with Master’s Apprentices, he was told to “get used to it” as there was no cure.  It wasn’t until Glenn was diagnosed with hearing loss 10 years ago, that he purchased his first hearing aids and has relied on them since, with varying levels of satisfaction.

Around five years ago, Glenn started seeing Dr. Moh Dadafarin and his audiology team at Ear and Hearing; and has remained loyal thanks to Moh’s meticulous approach to managing his hearing.  “Moh is a genius,” Glenn explains.  “He’s done a marvellous job – he’s as good as they get.”  Moh’s long-term understanding of Glenn’s hearing needs is also an important factor.  “I can’t imagine wanting to start again with anyone else.”

When Melbourne’s COVID lockdown came to a close, Glenn was fitted with new Phonak Audeo Paradise hearing aids at Ear and Hearing.  “Phonak Paradise are the best I’ve had by far – my hearing is so much better… I can hear 100% of everything now.”  

One of the developments in hearing aid technology which has impressed Glenn, is the improvement in music streaming quality, which is important in his continued work managing Australian artists.  “I used to have to take my hearing aids out and put my ear pods in to hear the music properly… now I can listen to music through the hearing aids and the quality is extraordinary.  I love the way the hearing aids adjust to the music on my devices.”  Glenn is also looking forward to streaming directly to the hearing aids from his television; and trying the Tap Control feature to pause and resume streaming by touching his ear rather than his phone.

With COVID restrictions easing, Glenn is enjoying having hearing aids which adapt to a variety of situations, from following conversations in restaurants to quiet conversations at home. “I love the way they just adapt to the environment, it’s wonderful.”  He pays special homage to the decreased burden on those around him, including his wife, now that he’s able to hear “with enormous clarity” the first time, rather than asking those around him to repeat themselves.  “It’s amazing, I’m loving it and my wife is loving it.”

During what was an unprecedented and challenging year globally, 2020 saw significant milestones for Glenn, including the 40th anniversary of founding Australia’s first FM radio station; and Master’s Apprentices’ Because I Love You being selected to join the Sounds of Australia registry for its defining impact on Australian culture.  Now, with his hearing on track, Glenn is looking forward to an even brighter 2021.  “I’m more satisfied than I’ve ever been. I’m thoroughly enjoying life at the moment.”