The holidays have a way of bringing hearing difficulties into focus. After months apart, you may notice that your parent is asking you to repeat yourself, turning the television volume up higher than usual, or having trouble following conversations around the dinner table.
Before panicking, here’s what you should know. Hearing loss is common among older adults, affecting about one-third of senior citizens in the US. Buying hearing aids for your parents might be the ideal gift for them to fully enjoy this holiday season.
However, this isn't quite like picking out another holiday gift. The right option depends on their hearing needs, lifestyle, comfort, preferences, and willingness to use the device regularly. So, before you put a pair of hearing aids under the tree, here are seven things you should know.
1. Know the Signs That Your Parent May Have Hearing Loss
One of the first steps is paying attention to the situations where your parent seems to have difficulty hearing.
Some common signs of hearing loss include:
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
Turning up the television or radio
Having trouble understanding conversations when several people are talking
Struggling to hear in restaurants or other noisy places
Having difficulty understanding people over the phone
Saying that people "mumble" when they speak
Needing to concentrate or strain to follow conversations
The National Institute on Aging identifies these as common signs of hearing loss in older adults.
You may notice these behaviors more clearly during the holidays because family gatherings often involve multiple conversations, background music, television, and other sources of noise.
Does noticing these signs mean your parent needs hearing aids?
Not necessarily. These signs can indicate that your parent may benefit from having their hearing evaluated, but they don't tell you what is causing the hearing difficulty or which treatment is appropriate.
If your parent is willing, consider making a hearing evaluation part of your holiday plans by visiting an audiologist, hearing clinic, or testing their hearing online. It can give both of you a better understanding of what they're experiencing before you start shopping.
2. Talk With Your Parent Before Buying Hearing Aids
It can be tempting to immediately surprise Mom or Dad with a gift during the holidays. However, hearing aids are something your parents will need to wear, operate, maintain, and adjust to. Their involvement in the decision can make the process much more useful and comfortable.
Instead of saying:
"You can't hear anything anymore. You need hearing aids."
Try starting with something more supportive:
"I've noticed you've been having a harder time hearing during family conversations. Would you be interested in looking at some options together?"
The goal is to make hearing health a conversation rather than a criticism.
What if my parent doesn't want hearing aids?
That's a common concern for adult children. Your parent may feel that their hearing isn't bad enough to need help, may be uncomfortable with the idea of wearing a device, or may simply not be ready.
Give them an opportunity to explain their concerns. You can offer to research options together without pressuring them to make an immediate decision.
You can also focus the conversation on situations that matter to them. Maybe they want to hear their grandchildren more clearly, participate in family dinners, follow conversations with friends, or enjoy television without turning up the volume.
The National Institute on Aging recommends seeking professional advice when hearing problems are suspected and notes that hearing aids are one of several options that may help older adults with hearing loss.
3. Consider a Hearing Test Before Choosing a Device
A hearing evaluation can help determine how much hearing loss your parent has and whether a hearing aid is appropriate.
This is especially important if you're unsure whether the hearing difficulty is related to typical age-related hearing loss or something that should be medically evaluated.
For adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, an audiological evaluation isn't required before purchasing an OTC hearing aid. However, the FDAsays people may still consider having their hearing evaluated to determine the type and amount of hearing loss before choosing a device.
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When should your parent see a doctor before buying a hearing aid?
Certain symptoms should not simply be treated by purchasing a hearing aid. The FDA recommends a medical evaluation when someone has symptoms such as:
Sudden or rapidly worsening hearing loss
Hearing loss that comes and goes
Hearing loss that is significantly worse in one ear
Ringing or buzzing in only one ear
Ear pain or discomfort
Fluid, pus, or blood coming from the ear
A lot of earwax or something potentially blocking the ear
Vertigo or severe dizziness
If your parent has any of these symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional before purchasing any hearing aid.
4. Understand the Different Hearing Aid Options for Seniors
There isn't one hearing aid style that works for everyone. The types of hearing aids for seniors vary in design, technology, features, and how they are fitted.
There are two important categories to understand: OTC hearing aids and prescription hearing aids.
OTC hearing aids
Over-the-counter hearing aids are FDA-regulated medical devices intended for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They are budget-friendly, self-adjusted devices that can be purchased online or in stores without a prescription or professional fitting.
Check Out Our OTC Hearing Aid Options
Prescription hearing aids
Prescription hearing aids require a hearing test and fitting provided through a licensed hearing healthcare professional. They can be appropriate for people with more severe hearing loss.
What about hearing aid styles for elders?
Hearing aids can also differ in physical design, including behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) styles. The appropriate design depends on factors such as hearing loss severity, listening needs, comfort, dexterity, and lifestyle.
When comparing hearing aid options for seniors, don't focus only on how small or discreet a device is. Consider whether your parent can comfortably put it on, remove it, adjust it, charge or replace its batteries, and keep it clean.
The easiest hearing aid to use is the one your parent feels comfortable managing consistently.
5. Know Whether OTC Hearing Aids Are Appropriate for Your Parent
OTC hearing aids for seniors can be an option for those with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
Unlike prescription hearing aids, OTC devices don't require a medical exam or professional fitting before purchase. They are user-adjustable, allowing users to customize settings through on-device controls or smartphone apps. Some can also personalize the sound settings via a mobile app based on the user’s specific hearing needs.
Are OTC hearing aids appropriate for older adults?
OTC hearing aids are intended for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. The more important question is whether your parent's hearing needs fall within that intended range and whether they can comfortably use the device.
If you're unsure, MDHearing’s licensed hearing professionals can help you understand your parent's options.
6. Choose Features Based on Your Parent's Lifestyle
When you're comparing hearing aids for older adults, it's easy to get caught up in technical specifications. Instead, start by thinking about what your parent actually does every day.
For example, consider whether they frequently:
Watch television
Talk with family and friends
Attend church or community events
Eat at restaurants
Use a smartphone
Travel
Spend time outdoors
Then look for features that could make those activities easier.
Features to consider
Rechargeable batteries:Rechargeable hearing aids eliminate the need to regularly replace disposable batteries, which may be convenient for someone concerned about the cost, safety, or difficulty of handling small batteries.
Noise reduction:Noise-reduction technology can reduce background noise, making conversations clearer in noisy environments such as restaurants or family gatherings.
Directional microphones:These advanced microphones focus on sounds coming from a particular direction, which may be helpful during face-to-face conversations.
Smartphone compatibility: Some hearing aids can connect wirelessly to compatible devices for streaming audio or adjusting settings.
Easy-to-use controls:Simple controls on the device may be particularly important if your parent isn't comfortable with smartphones or complicated technology.
Remote support:Access to licensed professionals for help with setup, troubleshooting, or adjustments can give both you and your parent additional peace of mind.
The goal isn't to find the hearing aid with the longest list of features. It's to find the features your parent will actually use.
7. Understand the Cost and Coverage
Cost is an important consideration when buying hearing aids for a parent.
Hearing aid prices can range from hundreds to several thousands of dollars, depending on the type, features, services, and other factors. NIDCD recommends considering more than just the initial price, including convenience, maintenance and repair costs, warranty coverage, and customer service.
Before purchasing, find out:
What is included in the price?
Is there a warranty?
Is there a return or trial period?
Are accessories included?
What happens if the hearing aids need repairs?
Is customer support available and included with the purchase?
Does your parent's insurance provide any hearing benefits?
A Simple Holiday Checklist for Buying Hearing Aids for a Parent
Before making a purchase, ask yourself:
Have I talked with my parent about their hearing?
Have we considered whether they should have their hearing evaluated?
Do we know whether OTC hearing aids are appropriate?
Where do they have the most difficulty hearing?
Which features would actually be useful to them?
Can they comfortably operate and maintain the device?
Have we compared the total cost, warranty, and return policy?
Have we checked their insurance or Medicare Advantage benefits?
Does the hearing aid come with adequate customer support?
This checklist can help turn a potentially overwhelming purchase into a more manageable decision.
Make Better Hearing Part of the Holiday Conversation
Buying hearing aids for parents doesn't have to mean choosing a device for them. The process can be an opportunity for both of you to learn about their hearing needs, explore hearing aid options, and find a solution that fits their lifestyle and preferences.
If you're considering a hearing aid for a parent this holiday season, MDHearing offers FDA-registered OTC hearing aids designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Explore our affordable hearing aid options to compare features and find a solution that can help your parent stay connected to the conversations and people they enjoy most.
This holiday season, give your parents more opportunities to hear, and be part of the moments that bring your family together.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OTC HEARING AIDS FROM MDHEARING
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hearing aids help my parents hear better in noisy places?
Yes, hearing aids can help make speech and other sounds clearer and easier to hear, even in places with background noise. Features such as noise reduction and directional microphones are designed to help focus on speech while reducing distracting sounds. The level of benefit can vary based on the device, your parent's hearing needs, and the listening environment.
How long does it take to adjust to hearing aids?
Adjustment varies from person to person. It’s a process that involves the brain re-learning how to hear and prioritize sounds it hasn’t heard in a while. Your parent may need time to get used to how their own voice and everyday sounds seem with hearing aids. For most people, it takes a few weeks or can even take months. Wearing them consistently and gradually using them in different listening environments can help speed up the adjustment process.
Should my parent wear hearing aids all day?
There isn't one schedule that works for everyone. If the hearing aids aren't causing discomfort, your parent should wear them as much as possible throughout the day, as consistent use helps the brain adapt quicker. We recommend starting in quiet environments, listening to simple sounds like birds outside or conversations in a quiet room. Gradually wear the hearing aids longer each day and move into more complex listening environments, like restaurants or family gatherings.
Can hearing aids restore normal hearing?
No, hearing aids do not restore normal hearing or repair the underlying cause of hearing loss. Instead, they amplify and process sounds to make them easier to hear and understand.
What should I do if my parent has trouble using their hearing aids?
Start by checking the device's instructions and troubleshooting guidance. If your parent continues to have difficulty, customer support or a hearing healthcare professional may be able to help with setup, settings, fit, or other concerns.
Can my parent use hearing aids with a smartphone?
Some hearing aids offer wireless connectivity with compatible smartphones and other devices. Depending on the hearing aid, this may allow your parent to stream audio, make calls, personalize the hearing aids for their hearing, or adjust certain settings from their phone.
Can my parent still use hearing aids if they wear glasses?
Yes. Many people comfortably wear hearing aids and glasses together. The best combination depends on the hearing aid style, frame design, and individual comfort.