Supporting a Loved One with Hearing Loss: How to help and what to do next

Supporting Loved Ones with Hearing Loss

How to help and what to do next

Overview    |    Spotting the signs of hearing loss    |    How to approach the subject of hearing loss    |    How to guide them on their hearing loss journey    |    How to help them adapt to hearing loss    |    Conclusion

Hearing loss is often gradual

Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and sometimes, it’s not immediately obvious. If you suspect that someone close to you might be having hearing difficulties, it can feel a bit tricky to navigate how to approach the situation. You don’t want to make them feel self-conscious or embarrassed, but you also want to make sure they get the help they need.

In this article, we’ll discuss how you can support a loved one who may have hearing loss, and what steps can be taken to improve their quality of life.

Spotting the signs of hearing loss

Before diving into how to help, it’s important to understand what signs of hearing loss might look like. Hearing loss doesn’t always mean complete deafness. It can range from slight hearing impairment to more severe loss, and the signs can vary. 

Some common symptoms can be:

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
• Turning the TV or radio up much louder than usual.
• Complaining that people are mumbling or not speaking clearly.
• Difficulty hearing in noisy environments or crowded places.
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears.
• Withdrawal from conversations or social situations due to difficulty following discussions.

If you notice these signs in someone you care about, it could be an indication that they’re struggling with their hearing. It’s important to approach the topic with sensitivity and understanding.

So, how do you approach the topic?

Starting a conversation about hearing loss can feel awkward, especially if your loved one has not acknowledged the issue themselves. It’s important to approach the subject in a non-judgmental, gentle way. They might already be aware of the problem and may be reluctant to talk about it due to feelings of embarrassment or fear of losing independence. 

Here’s how you can start the conversation:

• Pick the right moment: Don’t bring it up in front of others or during an emotional moment. Instead, choose a quiet time when you’re both relaxed and can talk privately.
• Use “I” instead of "you": Instead of saying, “You’re not hearing properly,” try saying, “I’ve noticed that you sometimes seem to have trouble hearing, and I just want to make sure you’re okay.” This approach keeps the focus on your concern for them, rather than making them feel accused or self-conscious.
• Be empathetic: Let them know you understand that hearing loss can be frustrating, and it’s okay to ask for help. Be patient with their reaction, whether it’s denial, frustration, or even relief that someone has noticed.
• Avoid making assumptions: Just because you think someone has hearing loss doesn’t mean they agree with you. Keep the conversation open, and be prepared for them to deny or downplay the issue.
• Encouraging them to seek professional help:  If your loved one acknowledges their hearing difficulties, the next step is to encourage them to seek professional help. This is where your support can make all the difference.

How to guide them through the process

Hearing loss can be a sensitive topic, and many people may avoid seeing a doctor or an audiologist due to embarrassment or a lack of understanding of available treatments.  

Here’s how you can guide them through the process:

• Suggest a visit to their local GP:  The first step in addressing hearing loss is a visit to the GP. A doctor can conduct a basic hearing test and, if needed, refer your loved one to an audiologist for a more detailed assessment.

Explain that seeing a doctor doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll need to wear hearing aids immediately, but it’s important to understand the extent of the hearing loss.

• Explore hearing aids: Hearing aids have come a long way in recent years and are now much smaller and more discreet than they used to be. If your loved one is hesitant about wearing a hearing aid, share information about the latest technology and how it can improve their day-to-day life.

You can even accompany them to appointments if they’d like you there for support.

• Look into other treatments: Depending on the cause of the hearing loss, there may be other treatment options available. For example, some hearing loss can be addressed with surgery or the use of special devices like amplified telephones or TV headphones. An audiologist will be able to recommend the best course of action.

Help them adapt to all the change

Once your loved one has sought professional advice, the next step is to help them adjust to any new hearing aids or treatments.  Change can be hard, especially if someone is suddenly confronted with the need for a device they weren’t expecting.  

Here are some ways to help them adjust:

• Be patient: It can take time to get used to hearing aids, especially when it comes to adjusting the volume and clarity. Encourage your loved one to wear the aids regularly so they can get used to the sound. Offer to go with them to follow-up appointments if they need help troubleshooting.
• Improve communication: If your loved one is wearing a hearing aid, be mindful of how you communicate. Speak clearly, not too loudly, and try to avoid speaking while facing away from them. Maintain eye contact and use gestures to emphasise key points when necessary.
• Support social interaction: People with hearing loss can often feel isolated, particularly in social settings where they might struggle to follow conversations. Encourage them to attend social events with you and offer support by ensuring they can hear important conversations. You might also help by offering a quiet space for more intimate conversations.
• Provide emotional support: Losing hearing can be a difficult experience, and it’s important to offer emotional support throughout the process. Be patient, and understanding, and encourage them to stay positive. Remind them that many people with hearing loss continue to live fulfilling, active lives.

How can we help support you and a loved one?

Supporting a loved one with hearing loss is about being compassionate, patient, and proactive. The sooner you notice the signs and offer your support, the sooner they can get the help they need.

Our audiologists can provide invaluable support for loved ones with hearing loss by offering personalised care and guidance. They conduct comprehensive hearing assessments, recommend hearing aids or other assistive devices, and create tailored treatment plans.

Our audiologists also educate you and the rest of the family on communication strategies and help with adjustment to new hearing devices, ensuring a smoother transition.  With their expertise, our audiologists help those you love to navigate hearing challenges, improve quality of life, and nurture stronger connections through better communication.

►Click here to go to the top of the page