Hear Well Again Centers

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MOTIVATING AND ASSISTING OTHERS TO HEAR WELL AGAIN

Often it is assumed the person with a problem hearing is aware of it and motivated to participate in the solution to hear well again. This is not always the case.

Motivating

It has been our experience that to successfully motivate some general guidelines should be followed.

1. Don't try to force the person with a suspected hearing problem to seek assistance. In order to be successful, he or she needs to be willing to participate and invest effort in a solution.

2. Don't embarrass the person who has a hearing problem. It may seem funny to repeat blunders or misunderstandings, but this will not motivate. It will probably have an adverse effect. Shaming a person into getting a hearing aid seldom works.

3. Learn more about hearing and hearing problems. Take on the responsibility that you will be involved in the solution. You will be a supportive partner in the solution. Communicate this support by telling the person with a hearing problem that you want to be involved.

4. Provide positive and enlightening resource material. Such material is available from many hearing health care professionals at little or no charge.

5. Don't be judgmental. Don't get frustrated. Be patient with this person that you suspect has a hearing problem. Let him or her know that you support their decisions and see that they act upon them.

6. Proceed slowly (if resistance is high). Motivate this person to go one step at a time. You can start by saying "Why don't you talk to your friends about their hearing aids. See how they hear with them.” Sometime later you can follow up with “Why don't we see someone about it. Maybe there something simple that is wrong with your ears and it can be easily corrected." Some time later you can say ..." Many people wear hearing aids. Did you know that (give example of friends or acquaintances) wear hearing aids.”

7. Don't make it your personal struggle. The person with a hearing problem may take an irrational stubborn stand and be unwilling to back down.

8. Subtly and gently, when hearing difficulty occurs remind the person with a hearing problem about the pleasures of hearing. “Wouldn't it have been nice to hear better at the movies?" or “I saw you struggle hearing your granddaughter. Life would be easier and more pleasurable if you could hear well again.” “Let's find out who you should see." or "It's important to hear at those meetings. Hearing better may make your job easier.”

9. GENTLY AND SUBTLY KEEP THE PRESSURE ON! After the person has seen a hearing health care professional for a hearing evaluation, further discussions may be necessary to motivate the person with a suspected hearing problem to take the next step along the journey to hear well again. It is very important to continue to be patient, supportive and point out the pleasures that are needlessly being missed by an uncorrected hearing loss.

The information contained on this web site, is presented for the purpose of educating people on hearing loss, amplification, and balance disorders. Nothing contained on this web site should be construed nor is intended to be used for specific medical diagnosis or treatment and it should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Should you have any health care related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified health care provider promptly. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet or fitness program. In case of emergency, call 911.