If you realize someone you love has hearing loss what should be done. Normally, people who have slow loss of hearing don’t realize it so that makes it a hard subject to approach. No one is helped by ignoring this frustrating issue. Find a way to talk about it with your loved one as soon as possible so that their life can be improved. Think about these tips to help get you there.

If You Want to be Able to Explain it Better, do The Research

Explaining the problem is much less difficult if you first comprehend it. The chances of hearing loss increase as people grow older. About one person out of every three have some degree of hearing reduction by the time they are 74 and greater than half suffer from it after they reach the age of 75.

This type of ear damage is technically known as presbycusis. It typically occurs in both ears equally, and the effect is gradual. This hearing loss probably began years before it was detected.

There are lots of reasons presbycusis occurs. The simplest explanation for age-related hearing loss is that decades of sound takes its toll on the delicate mechanisms of the ear, especially the tiny hair cells. The brain gets electrical messages that are generated by these tiny hair cells. What you know as sound is actually a message that is received and then translated by the brain. Those hairs are an essential factor of hearing.

Chronic sicknesses can play a role, as well, such as:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease

Hearing is reduced and the ear can be damaged by each one of these.

Set a Date

What you say to your loved one is important however it’s also important where you have the discussion. The best choice is to set something up so you both can meet and talk. You don’t want to be disturbed so select a private venue. Bringing written material on the topic is also quite helpful. For instance, the doctor may have a brochure that explains presbycusis.

Talk About the Whys

Expect this person will be a little defensive. Loss of hearing is a delicate topic because it is associated with getting old. It’s difficult to accept that you are getting older. Poor hearing may challenge the elderly’s belief that they are in control of their daily lives.

Be prepared to offer particulars as to how you know they have some hearing problems.

Discuss that you need to constantly repeat yourself during conversations, too. Keep the discussion casual and don’t make it sound like you are complaining. Be patient and sympathetic as you put everything into perspective.

Now it’s Time to Listen

Once you have said what you need to, be ready to sit back and listen. Your family member may share concerns or say they have noticed some changes but were unsure what to do. Ask questions that can encourage this person to keep talking about what they’re going through to help make it real to them.

Let Them Know They Have a Support System

Getting past the fear that comes with hearing loss is going to be the biggest obstacle. Many people feel on their own with their problem and don’t recognize they have family and friends on the other side. Remind them of how other family members have discovered ways to deal with the same issue.

Be Prepared to Offer Solutions

What to do next is going to be the most crucial part of the discussion. Hearing loss is not the end of the world so let your loved one know that. There are a lot of available tools such as hearing aids which can be helpful. Much more sleek and modern hearing aids are currently available. They come with features that improve the quality of life and come in many shapes and sizes. Show them some literature on a computer or brochure detailing the different devices that are available.

Going to the doctor is the first step. Not all hearing loss is permanent. Rule out earwax build up or medication side effects that may be causing your issue by getting an ear examination. A hearing exam can then be set up and you will know for sure.