Convincing a Loved One to Get a Hearing Test
- Hearing Solutions
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 4
Watching someone you care about struggle with hearing loss while refusing to acknowledge it is frustrating. This guide helps you approach the conversation with empathy and effectiveness.
Expert guidance from Professional Hearing Solutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Call 0332-5014111.
Why People Resist Getting Tested
Denial — hearing loss is gradual, so they adapt and do not realize how much they are missing
Stigma — hearing aids are associated with aging or disability in Pakistani culture
Fear — scared of being told something is wrong
Pride — they do not want to admit they need help
Cost concerns — assuming they cannot afford hearing aids
Bad experiences — knowing someone who had a poor hearing aid experience
How to Approach the Conversation
Choose a calm, private moment — not during an argument about the TV volume
Use 'I' statements: 'I noticed I have to repeat myself often' rather than 'You never listen'
Share specific examples: 'You missed what your grandchild said at dinner last night'
Express concern from love: 'I worry about you missing important sounds like alarms or phone calls'
Normalize it: 'Hearing tests are routine — like eye tests. Millions of people do them.'
Offer to go together: 'I will come with you. We can both get checked.'
Do not pressure — plant the seed and give them time to process
What NOT to Do
Do not shout or get frustrated — this makes them defensive
Do not nag repeatedly — one thoughtful conversation is better than daily nagging
Do not make jokes about their hearing — it increases shame and resistance
Do not ambush them with an appointment — they need to feel in control of the decision
Do not give ultimatums — this rarely works and damages the relationship
Arguments That Work
Their Concern | Your Response |
I hear fine | Maybe — but would not it be nice to confirm with a quick test? Just for peace of mind. |
Hearing aids look ugly | Modern hearing aids are invisible. Let me show you photos of CIC and IIC models. |
It is too expensive | Options start from Rs.90,000. And untreated hearing loss costs more — isolation, depression, safety risks. |
I am too old | Hearing aids improve quality of life at every age. Your family wants to communicate with you. |
Types of Hearing Tests Available
Professional Hearing Solutions offers a complete range of diagnostic hearing tests using calibrated audiological equipment. Each test provides specific information about your hearing health.
Test | What It Measures | Duration | Who Needs It |
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) | Hearing sensitivity at different frequencies | 15-20 minutes | Everyone — baseline hearing assessment |
Tympanometry | Middle ear function and eardrum movement | 5 minutes | Suspected middle ear problems |
Speech Audiometry | Ability to understand spoken words | 10-15 minutes | Hearing aid candidates |
OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) | Inner ear (cochlea) function | 5-10 minutes | Newborns and children |
ABR/BERA | Auditory nerve pathway function | 30-45 minutes | Infants, neurological cases |
What Happens During a Hearing Test
Case History: The audiologist asks about your hearing concerns, medical history, noise exposure, and family history of hearing loss.
Otoscopy: A visual examination of your ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope to check for wax blockage, infection, or structural issues.
Pure Tone Testing: You sit in a sound-treated booth wearing headphones. Tones are played at different frequencies and volumes. You press a button when you hear each tone.
Speech Testing: Words are played through headphones at different volumes to measure your speech understanding ability.
Results Discussion: Your audiologist explains the audiogram results, identifies the type and degree of hearing loss, and discusses next steps including hearing aid options if needed.
Understanding Your Audiogram Results
Hearing Level (dB) | Classification | What It Means | Treatment |
0-25 dB | Normal | No difficulty hearing | No treatment needed |
26-40 dB | Mild Loss | Difficulty hearing soft speech | Hearing aid may help |
41-55 dB | Moderate Loss | Difficulty hearing normal conversation | Hearing aid recommended |
56-70 dB | Moderate-Severe | Difficulty hearing loud speech | Hearing aid essential |
71-90 dB | Severe Loss | Only very loud sounds heard | Powerful hearing aid needed |
91+ dB | Profound Loss | Almost no hearing | Super power aid or cochlear implant |
Who Should Get a Hearing Test?
Adults over 50: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common. Get tested every 3 years even without symptoms.
Noise-exposed workers: Factory workers, musicians, traffic police, and military personnel should test annually.
Children: Newborns should be screened at birth. Children should be tested before school enrollment and if speech development is delayed.
Anyone with symptoms: Difficulty hearing conversations, asking people to repeat, turning up TV volume, or ringing in ears (tinnitus).
Current hearing aid users: Annual hearing tests ensure your hearing aid settings match your current hearing levels.
Book Your Hearing Test
Walk-in hearing tests are available at both Professional Hearing Solutions branches. For shorter wait times, book an appointment by calling 0332-5014111. Hearing test pricing is confirmed on consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I bring up hearing loss without offending?
Focus on your feelings and observations, not their deficiency. 'I want us to enjoy conversations together' works better than 'You cannot hear anything.'
Q2: What if they still refuse after our conversation?
Give them time. Share articles or videos about modern hearing aids. Sometimes a doctor's suggestion carries more weight than family pressure.
Q3: Can I book an appointment for them?
You can call to inquire and understand the process, but the person should agree to come. Forced appointments rarely go well.
Q4: Should I involve their doctor?
Yes. Many people accept medical advice from doctors more readily than from family. Ask their GP to mention hearing screening at the next visit.
Q5: Where should I suggest they go?
Professional Hearing Solutions. Compassionate, no-pressure consultations. Call 0332-5014111.
Note: Prices may vary slightly due to market fluctuations, currency exchange rates, and inflation. Contact Professional Hearing Solutions for the latest confirmed pricing.
Visit Professional Hearing Solutions
Islamabad Branch: Office B-9, Muhammad Gulistan Khan Plaza 82 East, Besides Tehzeeb Bakers, Fazl-ul-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
Google Maps: View Islamabad Location on Map
Rawalpindi Branch: Office 5/6, Ground Floor, Siraj Plaza, Opposite Rasheed Nursing Home, Adjacent Gulzari Optics, Saidpur Road, Rawalpindi
Google Maps: View Rawalpindi Location on Map
Phone/WhatsApp: 0332-5014111
Website: www.professionalhearingsolution.com
Conclusion
Approach with empathy, not frustration. Share specific examples, normalize hearing tests, and offer to go together. Professional Hearing Solutions provides gentle, supportive consultations. Call 0332-5014111.
