[AndyG (Andy)]

Hello All,


I respectfully request some advice regarding the non-use of hearing aids by my elderly father. At 70 years old, and after various careers in the Army, RAAF Reserve and civvy industry, he is rather deaf. This deafness, coupled with poor mental health, has resulted in countless arguments, and a fractured family. I'll spare you all the details, but things came to a head this past weekend - and a new approach is required.

Around 2 years ago, with great generosity on behalf of the Government (DVA? Not sure), he was issued with $7000 worth of hearing assistance devices. None of these have been utilised, and the problems have only worsened.

I'm 95% sure that things will improve if he can hear what people say. His world will open up, and his paranoia of what others think/say will be put to rest.

If anyone here has experience in such a situation, I'd greatly appreciate any input. In this thread, or PMs are fine. I need practical ideas on improving patient compliance, and good habit forming around use of hearing aids.

Myself having some experience in AV audio DSPs, I'm following up on what can be done to mitigate the shortfalls of his model of hearing aid (configuration). I think a followup appointment with the Audiologist is in order, but this time with the Patient/family being informed of all the options.

I've since learned that the initial followup appointment with the Audiologist was pointless, as my Father essentially lied that things were going great with the new devices - truth is, they never came out of the box...

There are many reasons why a person would refuse management or treatment. None of these reasons he will share with us. Again, I'd appreciate any insight(s) on offer.

P.S. If you have hearing aids, yet refuse to use them, I implore you to talk with your loved ones about the effect of this decision from their perspective.