Does Your Family Member Need a Hearing Test?

A hearing test is a simple process that involves a number of steps. In short, it is a way to determine if a person can hear sounds from the ears and, if they can, what type of sounds and volume can they hear. Over time, numerous changes occur within the ear canal. In some cases, these changes can be very limiting to a person's ability to hear and to function properly. However, individuals often do not realize there is a problem or, if they do, they do not realize what they should do about it. Do You Need One? Asking a person if they've had a hearing test recently may get the conversation started, but it may also put the other person off. If you believe your family member needs to have this done to determine if there is a problem, then it is a good idea to approach your loved one in a positive manner. It is up to you to discuss their needs with them in a manner that's going to be acceptable. The worst thing you can do is to yell or frustrate them. First determine if there are signs or symptoms of hearing loss. Some of those include the following: • Does the individual need information repeated numerous times? • Does the individual feel he or she is unable to engage in conversations over the phone? • Does the individual need the volume turned up in order to hear the television or radio playing? • Does he or she isolate themselves from activities that they used to do? • Has a doctor mentioned that this could be a problem? If these signs occur, it is a good idea to seek out help from a specialist right away. Doing so could help you to answer many of the questions you have about what is occurring. You may want to gently point out these symptoms and discuss them. You may also want to inform your loved one that this type of treatment does not have to be invasive and that there are solutions that can help them to overcome the loss that they may have. It is often a good idea to approach this subject lightly. No one wants to face reality in that they may be losing the ability to hear the sounds around them. This is very debilitating over their lifetime. However, with the aid of a hearing test, you can find out if there is a problem and then find the right solution for it as well. Doing so can give you the confidence you need to feel better about the outcome yourself.