Don’t want Hearing Aids?
You may notice that you, your elderly parent, significant other, or loved ones may not be hearing as well as they used to. You or your loved ones continuously ask to repeat what was said, whether in person or on the phone, turn the tv up loud, or struggle to hear conversations in a group setting.
You or your loved ones went to see an audiologist for a hearing test, which confirmed that hearing loss was present. A hearing evaluation was completed, and it was noted that hearing aids were recommended.
You, your elderly parent, significant other, or loved ones fought tooth and nail, saying, “I am not ready for hearing aids!”. If you or your loved ones are not ready for hearing aids, what are the options to hear better?
Utilize A Hearing Amplifier
There are hearing amplifiers available on the market. Hearing amplifiers are not exactly hearing aids, but amplifiers that help increase the loudness of speech and environmental sounds.
Hearing amplifiers may help make it a little bit easier to understand what was said and provide some environmental awareness.
Hearing amplifiers are ideal for a quiet setting, as most amplifiers tend to pick up environmental noise and interrupt speech clarity. Be mindful that some amplifiers may be too loud. Consider consulting with your audiologist before you or your loved ones try hearing amplifiers.
Try Amplified Telephones
Amplified telephones are available for those who have difficulty understanding what was said over the phone. Amplified telephones give the option of increasing the volume to the level that is comfortable, and when speech is to a point where it is clear and easy to understand.
Some amplified telephones have captioning available. Captioned amplified telephones provide the wording that was said by the other party, making it even easier to understand what was said.
Invest in a TV amplifier
Sometimes it can be challenging to understand what was said on television due to hearing loss. Perhaps the news anchor doesn’t sound clear, or a character from a comedy sitcom speaks as if they’re babbling.
Consider investing in a TV amplifier. A TV amplifier is a listening device that may help with understanding speech clearly, without adjusting the volume of the tv. Simply wear the device on your ears, and adjust the volume to your liking.
Try other assistive listening devices (ALDs)
Other assistive listening devices are available for those who are not quite ready to try hearing aids. Perhaps turn on the subtitles or closed captions on the television.
What about being able to use closed captioning or subtitles at the movie theater? Closed captioning devices are available upon request.
Improved Communication Strategies
With or without the use of amplifiers or assistive listening devices, there are best communication strategies that can be used to reduce the frustration and stress when having a conversation with someone.
For example, request to have the person gain your attention first before speaking by having them tap on your shoulder or say your name to ensure you give them your full undivided attention.
In addition, request to have the person facing you when talking rather than talking with their backs towards you, when they’re walking away, or when they’re talking from another room. Doing so could create unnecessary stress between you and the person speaking.
It helps to advocate for yourself by letting the speaker know you have some difficulty hearing. The speaker may be willing to help accommodate you.
Conclusion
Overall, if you’re not ready for hearing aids, consider trying different listening devices in conjunction with assistive listening devices and utilizing the best communication strategies.
All of these options may help open up a path towards hearing aids, which are much more comfortable and simple to use and will help reduce stress and frustration, even more, leading to a better quality of life.
This document has been composed with the free HTML edior which can be accessed here. Use it every time for document editing.
