This Father’s Day, Give the Gift of Better Hearing

Father’s Day should be a day to celebrate with loved ones. But for many, it is a day when unaddressed hearing loss can cause feelings of isolation and depression. Many people with hearing loss do not recognize that a problem exists. Unfortunately, convincing someone that they have a problem hearing can be daunting. Hearing loss tends to occur gradually, allowing the individual with the hearing loss to develop systems that they believe compensate for the hearing loss. Those compensatory measures often include:

1. Asking friends and family members to repeat information frequently.
2. Increasing the volume on the radio or TV to an uncomfortable level for individuals with normal hearing.
3. Turning down competing noise when trying to hear something. For example, turning the radio off when trying to hear someone else in the car speaking.
4. They will avoid settings where they know they’ll struggle to hear, for example, movie theatres, parties, and restaurants.

Unfortunately, these strategies are not effective long-term solutions. But how do you convince them that they are having hearing difficulties?

How to convince someone they are struggling to hear.

Ironically, we suggest you don’t try to convince the dad in your life; whether he is your significant other, a family member, or even a close friend, they can’t hear. Instead, focus on a compromise and suggest visiting our office for a baseline-hearing test. Everyone should have their hearing checked at least once. We’re all used to getting an annual physical. Everything from weight to height to blood pressure is recorded and compared to “normative” standards and personal statistics from previous years. Changes should be noted, and problems and solutions will be discussed.

Things change over time. Your hearing is no different. The status of your auditory system (all the parts that work together to allow you to hear) should be assessed periodically, including your outer ear, ear canal, eardrum, middle ear, and inner ear. A baseline test is an excellent idea for anyone, even if you’re positive you have no problem hearing. If your hearing changes, your hearing healthcare professional will have something to compare to future test results.

During the assessment, if we find a problem, we can offer solutions to a problem they may not even be aware exists. So, stop trying to convince the dad in your life that they can’t hear. Instead, consider giving your dad the gift of better hearing this Father’s Day. Please pick up the phone, call our office and make an appointment. You’ll both be glad you did.