If you wear hearing aids, you’re not alone. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 7.1% of adults aged 45 and over used a hearing aid. However, even though it’s common, telling new people that you have hearing loss and wear hearing aids can feel a little daunting.
Let’s go over a few tips on how to discuss your hearing aids with others.
Talk About Your Hearing Loss as Soon as You Feel Comfortable 
Though it may feel awkward, telling people about your hearing loss right away can help avoid confusion and misunderstandings, especially if this is someone like a coworker or stranger that isn’t as familiar with you as family and close friends might be.
Hearing loss can cause you to miss what a person says, even sometimes when wearing hearing aids. If a person doesn’t know about your condition, it can be easy for them to assume you aren’t listening to them or perhaps are even upset with them. Giving them an early heads-up eliminates that risk.
Offer Up Helpful Communication Strategies
Telling someone about your hearing loss offers you a perfect segue into discussing helpful communication strategies that will make conversing easier for you and the person you are speaking with. Say things like:
- Please make sure to get my attention before you start speaking to me
- I may need you to repeat or rephrase things if I don’t understand
- Try to face me and avoid covering your mouth when we’re speaking so that I can read your lips
Brag About The Latest Hearing Aid Technology
Many people have an outdated idea of what the newest hearing aids are actually capable of. By talking about how much you love that you can stream phone calls or music directly into your hearing aids, you not only help yourself but can help to destigmatize hearing loss for others as well.
How To Bring Up Your Hearing Concerns
If you don’t have hearing aids but are worried about your hearing, you might not know where to turn. Talking to a family member or close friend that you feel safe with can be a helpful first step. Not only are they there to support you, but chances are they’ve noticed that you’ve had problems hearing when watching a movie at home or out to dinner at Saltus River Grill.
Pick a quiet time to talk to them and ask that they just listen without interjecting. If you feel ready and would like extra support, you can even ask if they would accompany you to get a hearing test. Having someone with you can help make the process feel less stressful and overwhelming.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to have your hearing evaluated, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.