AUDIOLOGY Q: Ithink my mom has hearing loss, but she is hesitant to see an Audiologist She struggles to communicate with family and friends. Do you have any advice for family members Andrea Wilson dealing with this? A: Hearing loss not only affects the person with the impairment, but it may also cause strain on their relationships with friends, family, and co-workers. The most important thing you can do is be supportive On average it takes seven years for the person with hearing loss to discover they have a problem and to seek treatment. It is also important to make sure your mother's communication partner is not trying to hold a conversation with her from a separate room or when they are walking away from her. Face-to-face communication will benefit her most. The next step is talking to your mother about seeking help from a hearing healthcare professional. They can better explain to her the type of hearing loss she is suffering from; counsel her on different communication strategies; and explore hearing aid options Au.D Hearing Wellness Center LET US HELP YOU HEARWELLTM 677 Anne Street NW, Suite G Bemidji, MN 5660 218-333-8833 www.hearwellmn.com AUDIOLOGY Q: Ithink my mom has hearing loss, but she is hesitant to see an Audiologist She struggles to communicate with family and friends. Do you have any advice for family members Andrea Wilson dealing with this? A: Hearing loss not only affects the person with the impairment, but it may also cause strain on their relationships with friends, family, and co-workers. The most important thing you can do is be supportive On average it takes seven years for the person with hearing loss to discover they have a problem and to seek treatment. It is also important to make sure your mother's communication partner is not trying to hold a conversation with her from a separate room or when they are walking away from her. Face-to-face communication will benefit her most. The next step is talking to your mother about seeking help from a hearing healthcare professional. They can better explain to her the type of hearing loss she is suffering from; counsel her on different communication strategies; and explore hearing aid options Au.D Hearing Wellness Center LET US HELP YOU HEARWELLTM 677 Anne Street NW, Suite G Bemidji, MN 5660 218-333-8833 www.hearwellmn.com