Why It’s Helpful to Attend Hearing Appointments With Loved Ones
Why Family Involvement Matters
The Power of Being There
Your loved one has scheduled a hearing appointment, and you might be wondering whether you should join them. The short answer is yes.
For many people, having someone they trust attending the appointment with them can feel reassuring. It helps create a supportive environment where your loved one feels understood and confident.
Another consideration is that family members often want to share everyday moments and be involved in appointments1.
As someone who understands how your loved one naturally communicates at home, you are uniquely placed to share hearing-related behavioral changes with the hearing care professional.
Your observations provide valuable context for how best to support your loved one's lifestyle and hearing goals.
Family Support and Hearing Aid Adoption
How Your Support Leads to Action
When you join a hearing appointment with a family member or friend, you're doing far more than providing moral support.
Research shows that people are significantly more likely to adopt hearing aids when they attend a hearing appointment (also referred to as an audiology appointment) with a significant other compared to attending alone2.
What About Social Support?
Together, you can explore solutions that will enhance communication and connection in everyday life.
What Happens at an Audiology Appointment
Understanding the Audiology Appointment
5 Things to Expect at an Audiology Appointment
- 1.
The consultation conversation
The hearing care professional will start with a detailed conversation about your friend or companion's hearing health, lifestyle, and communication needs. This is where your observations become particularly useful, helping them paint a full picture of how hearing loss shows at home or in social settings. - 2.
The hearing screening
While only your loved one will be in the testing booth, your presence can be reassuring. - 3.
Reviewing the results together
Having two people receive the results means important information isn't missed. You can ask clarifying questions and help your loved one process what they’re hearing. - 4.
Exploring possible solutions
If hearing aids are recommended, you can help consider options based on your loved one's lifestyle, dexterity, and personal preferences. Sometimes you will spot practical details they may not think of, such as how certain styles will work with their glasses, or whether they'll manage small components easily. - 5.
Experiencing improvement right away
In some cases, the hearing care provider may have hearing aids available that match your loved one’s needs. This means they may be able to test them out in the office in real time to see/ensure they are hearing you properly.
How to Be the Best Support Person
Your Role Before the Appointment
Your Role During the Appointment
Your role is to be a supporter, not to speak on behalf of your loved one. Research shows that family member involvement at appointments offers educational opportunities and supports the person with hearing changes3.
The best family involvement is collaborative, respecting your loved one's autonomy while offering meaningful support.
4 Ways to Engage During the Appointment
- 1.
Listen actively and take notes on key information, technical terms, care instructions, and follow-up recommendations.
- 2.
Ask practical, everyday questions: "How will these help during family gatherings?", "What should we do if something isn’t working?”, “How long does adjusting to hearing aids typically take?"
- 3.
Share your perspective on situations where hearing difficulties affect communication.
- 4.
Let your loved one lead the conversation while offering support when needed.
Taking the First Step Together
Making the Hearing Appointment
Reassure them that you'll be by their side throughout the journey, remind them you can attend the appointment, and, if needed, make the booking for them.
1 International Journal of Audiology: Family member involvement in audiology appointments with older people with hearing impairment (25 August 2014): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25141941/
2 Trends in Hearing: Hearing Aid Adoption is Associated with the Type of Significant Other in Attendance at Hearing Care Appointments (November 2022): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36444131/
3 Reynolds, B., Yoho, S., & Muñoz, K. (2020). Family Involvement in Adult Audiology Appointments. The Hearing Journal, 73(2), 14-15.
