Commented on a discussion 11/8/2010 at 8:18 am
I work at Harris Communications, a company that sells assistive devices for deaf and hard of hearing people. We have found it is very common for people to be in denial about their hearing loss. Someth
...Read MoreI work at Harris Communications, a company that sells assistive devices for deaf and hard of hearing people. We have found it is very common for people to be in denial about their hearing loss. Something that often happens is when given the opportunity to use an amplified device, the person with the hearing loss suddenly discovers that his/her hearing could be better. I would suggest getting her an amplified phone. When you can't communicate on the phone, there can be a real safety issue, particularly if a parent lives alone. There are many models of phones available for mild to severe hearing loss. The phones for severe hearing loss have decibel ratings up to 60 decibels. (They have adjustable tone and volume controls so a person can adjust to his/her hearing needs. The adjustable tone controls are helpful because people lose their hearing in different frequencies. Just having a loud phone will not address her specific hearing loss.)
You can get some pretty basic corded phones without all the bells and whistles. You may have to pay around $150 for an amplified phone but it usually is worth it. (If the phone doesn't work for her, most reputable companies have a 30 day return policy.)
Ideally it would be best for your mother to get her ears tested but there are a lot of phones and other assistive devices available that can help her hear. Try to find quality listening devices. You may pay more but they will end up being used.