Get Your Hearing Tested with a Loved One
Your First Hearing Exam
At Levine Hearing, we highly recommend your first hearing exam by age 50. An efficient way to accomplish this goal is to get your hearing tested with a loved one. It is not uncommon to have friends or spouses come in together for the same (slightly extended) appointment slot to get their hearing tested. One goal that we have set for ourselves in the office for this next year is to encourage all of our current patients to bring in their spouses or a loved one in 2019 to get a baseline test on the books.
Caretaker Syndrome
From what I have seen, spouses often take turns in caregiving and in attending to their health. The one who is in “caretaker” mode might put themselves on the backburner for quite some time. I want to encourage that person to come in for a free test, even if hearing aids are not on the agenda yet, to get that baseline hearing test out of the way. If all is clear, then you can go several years before getting tested again.
What are the first signs of a hearing loss?
- Frustration with family and friends because they are talking to you from the next room
- Repeatedly having to ask certain people to repeat themselves
- A family member commenting that your TV is turned up too loud
- Difficulty hearing in noisy places like restaurants
When is it time to get hearing help?
I give a personal example to explain this in my office. When I got glasses at 15 years old, I wasn’t blind and I wasn’t running into things. My eyesight did not drop suddenly, but gradually over time, things started to get a bit blurry without me even realizing it. That first day that I got glasses, I was amazed at all the individual leaves on the trees! I tell you this story because hearing loss usually happens gradually and correction is not needed right away. Get your hearing tested with a loved one to establish a baseline audiogram so a drop can more easily be identified down the road.
If you currently wear hearing aids (or know someone who does), what were the signs of hearing loss that you noticed? How have hearing aids improved those situations for you or your loved ones?
Hi! I’m Madison. I’m a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist (like my mother). I’m observing, learning, absorbing and sharing as I become a part of this beautiful South Charlotte Hearing community. I want to know you! So please leave me comments if my posts are meaningful to you or teach you something new, and feel free to tweet me at @LevineHearing!
Madison – your thoughts for the entire person and family are so refreshing. Rather than focus on “the sale”, you are embracing the lifestyle and the entirety of what your patients are likely to be going through. You are taking the time to consider their journey.
Thanks for allowing the recipient of this message to be “the hero”. You and your team are guides on this journey.
My best to you and your team and your loved ones!
Scott, that is such an encouraging observation. Thank you for the kind words! When we help people hear better, we know that our impact will reach many more people than the individual who got the hearing aids. Wishing you the best as well!
I had a similar experience with my eyesight. I didn’t even know what I was missing out on until I got glasses. I would imagine the same is true for your hearing. Someone could go years without realizing that their quality of life is suffering.
Also, I feel that those persons that have significant hearing loss and have the means to get hearing aids, but do not, are being somewhat inconsiderate of those around them. e.g., I play golf with a few guys that continually ask others to repeat things, yet they refuse to have their hearing checked. I get tired of repeating everything so find myself holding back from having any conversations with them unless I am very near them. They are missing out on many side discussions, but are are also being inconsiderate to others that have to talk so loud when they have not made any attempt to get hearing assistance.
What a true experience. It can be so frustrating for friends and family to cater to that person. Thank you for sharing that experience, Doug. I’m sure a lot of people can relate to it.
You are the best at what you do!!
Thank you!!!
The listing of the first signs of hearing loss was me entirely plus some! And I did come in with my husband , but everyone should bring a family member to also help learn what the “patient” is going through
II have been hearing impaired my entire life. My Mom on the other hand, always had great hearing. We used to say “she can hear the grass grow”. In the last year, I have notices a significant change in her hearing and memory. I think the two are related, but getting her to acknowledge this has been challenging to say the least. She doesn’t know, or won’t admit to how much she is missing, and I thing hearing aids would be a great solution for her. It’s not easy for loved ones to watch someone’s decline in hearing, Thanks for all you do for the community, especially our elderly community.
Christine, I appreciate you sharing about your mom. It is such a common thing and it can be hard to determine which is really the leading factor. I’m sure you’ve encouraged her to get tested and you know I would love to see her.
I found it beneficial that you mentioned in your article that it is best to get your hearing tested with a loved one as soon as possible in order to establish a baseline audiogram. I’ve noticed that my boyfriend’s hearing has not been up to snuff as of late. I’ll be sure to consider contacting a health care clinic.
I’m so glad that you found that helpful, Lloyd. It makes a huge difference to have a significant other or friend present.