If you have an older relative who has recently begun using a Miracle-Ear hearing aid, then you might be encountering some difficulties in helping them to adjust. Hearing aids are a great way to restore hearing capability and improve quality of life, but getting used to them can certainly be a bit of a learning curve. If you want to help an older relative transition smoothly into their new life with a hearing aid, here are four great tips to help you get started.
Be Patient
While your audiologist or hearing aid technician will be able to help you with answering questions and learning how to operate your device, your elderly relative might still get a bit confused and frustrated from time to time. In order to make the process go smoothly, make sure that you always approach these interactions with patience.
Speak Clearly and Slowly
You don’t need to shout at a person with a hearing aid. However, even with the support of a hearing aid, many older patients still require that the persons around them speak clearly and slowly. If you want to be a great help to your older relative, ensure that you speak clearly and at a slow pace. This is especially important for teenagers to keep in mind when dealing with their older relative, as adolescents have a tendency to speak quickly and to mumble.
Keep Communication Open
Make sure to keep the lines of communication open between your family members so that everyone can do their part to help your senior relative adapt. It’s also important that you keep communication with your audiologist and anyone who’s been assigned to help your relative maintain their hearing aid. If any questions arise, make sure that they are asked and answered promptly.
Check In Regularly
Hearing aids require minimal maintenance, but it’s still important that the device is being used and cared for appropriately. If your senior relative needs assistance, be sure to check in regularly and make sure that everything is being taken care of. Again, if there are any questions or issues, be sure to contact your hearing aid technician as soon as possible.
Adjusting to life with a hearing aid can present learning curves. However, the situation is easily handled if the whole family is on board with helping their older relative to adjust. If you follow these tips, your senior loved one will be able to transition to life with a hearing aid simply and smoothly.
I could have used this a few months ago. My dad FINALLY got hearing aid and I’m so thankful but with them came a lot of adjustment with us, the grandkids and the himself. #1 on our list was to stop speaking so loudly!