Health&Wellness Magazine June 2016 | Page 19

859.963.2958 | kyhearing . com 259 Southland Drive , Lexington , KY

Individuals with hearing loss often experience negative emotions including depression , anxiety , shame or humiliation . With all those emotions , a family member or friend constantly pressuring them to schedule an appointment can only make matters worse . Hearing loss may not be perceived as easily as one might expect . Let me paint a picture to describe this a little more thoroughly . An individual with a mild hearing loss that occurs gradually over time may not feel like they have lost any hearing abilities because it is hard to compare what used to be to now . But for an individual who suddenly wakes up and has the same mild hearing loss , the change is much more noticeable . For gradual hearing loss , it is not uncommon for loved ones or friends to be the first to notice the problem .

In order to prevent the individual with hearing loss from becoming defensive there are a few strategies that can be beneficial . These strategies include talking with the patient , providing them with information , discussing experiences with others who have hearing loss or wear hearing aids and offering to go with the individual to get their hearing checked .

Do not talk at them When discussing hearing loss with a friend or family member it is

By Dr . Brewer , Audiology Associates

crucial you do not talk at them but rather have an open conversation . Lecturing someone about what they did or did not hear can enhance the negative emotions that come with hearing loss ; encouragement and listening are much more passive alternatives that go a long way . Having an honest , yet gentle , conversation about how their hearing loss negatively impacts your life can be incredibly motivating .

Provide Information

Hearing loss is much more common than many realize . It is estimated that over 48 million Americans have hearing loss . Providing an individual with basic information about hearing loss can help eliminate fear and anxiety . Hearing aids are not what they used to be 20-30 years ago ; a lot has changed and more variety has evolved allowing patients to really benefit from technology .

Reach out to someone who has been there

Some believe talking with others who are experiencing similar issues can be beneficial . Try to find a friend who has hearing loss or wears hearing aids in order to have a purposeful conversation regarding the process and potential benefits from hearing aids . Knowing that someone else has had a great experience and their quality of life has improved might just be the encouragement needed . The key is to remember that all experiences are different , and the success and benefit of hearing aids depends on the individual , their hearing loss , their needs , type of technology , style of the hearing aids themselves and a supportive and knowledgeable provider .

Support them

Lastly , offer to go with your loved one or friend to their hearing evaluation . The first appointment with an audiologist can be overwhelming . There is a lot of information ! Another set of ears to help retain that information and ask questions is very helpful . If technology is recommended , as the companion you could have questions or concerns as well . Deciding to move forward with technology is a very big decision and while it is very rewarding , having the support of loved ones makes the process that much easier . Having a companion at the appointment allows the audiologist to hear the friend or family ’ s perspective as well as the patient ’ s . Companions could include a significant other , adult child , loved one or close friend . Often just having another person willing to make the journey with you is the difference between success and failure .

Let ’ s wrap this up It is important to remember that this process is more than just the “ widget ”. Yes , treating hearing loss is a process that requires the appropriate hearing aid technology , but it ’ s so much more . Success is dependent on the motivation of the hearing aid user as well as the provider themselves . The provider is responsible for making an appropriate recommendation and listening to the needs and wants of a patient . The encouragement and tenacity of the right provider can make all the difference !

Hearing loss can be overwhelming . There is a lot of information to take in and process . Having the support of someone close to you is the key to success . Once you have committed to walking through the process together , seek out a provider whom you can trust and who is willing to journey with you towards rehabilitation . The road to better hearing health is a journey and you want to be comfortable with those who journey with you . Hearing aids are life-changing when the right technology is appropriately fit by the right provider . I encourage you to take the first step today towards a better tomorrow !

About the Author Dr . Brewer completed her Doctor of Audiology degree at the University of Louisville ’ s School of Medicine and her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology at Miami University in Oxford , OH . She is licensed by the state of Kentucky as an audiologist and hearing instrument specialist . She is also a member of the American Academy of Audiology , Academy of Doctors of Audiology , Kentucky Academy of Audiology and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association .

Dr . Brewer specializes in diagnostic audiologic evaluation as well as hearing aid services , including selection , fitting , and follow-up care . Her passion is to provide her patients with the most appropriate form of treatment for their hearing health care .