Dealing with a Loved One’s Hearing Loss

If there is someone in your family, or a close friend, who has just been diagnosed with a hearing loss, believe us when we tell you they are finding it difficult to come to terms with. However, this process can also be tricky for the people closest to them. There will undoubtedly be frustrating moments that you will need to learn to overcome; people with a hearing loss really and truly will need your loving support. We have a little advice to help you tackle any difficult moments that may arise.

Be supportive

Here we have a startling statistic for you: on average, it takes seven years from the time someone discovers they have hearing loss before they actually go and get hearing aids. Unfortunately, it is a long journey and the individual needs to be at the right part of that journey before they feel ready to begin wearing hearing aids. Wearing hearing aids in public is obviously admitting that you have a hearing loss to all those around you and some people do not find this easy. Your loved one will need you to be patient and supportive of them. The decision to get help needs to come from the person with the hearing loss and not you, however, we’re sure they would appreciative of some company at their Audiologist appointments.

Can you imagine what it’s like to have a hearing loss?

If we’re all honest, then the answer to this question is no. Until you experience something first hand, you can never be able to fully imagine how it feels to have a hearing loss. There is something you can do though to try and understand what your loved one may be experiencing as there are some online hearing loss simulators. These will let you experience how a voice may sound to someone with a hearing loss. This may help you appreciate a little how your loved one feels.

Don’t get frustrated

It’s easy to become irritated when someone asks you to repeat something over and over. What you need to remember is that no-one is ever going to intentionally not try to understand you; more than likely, it is even more frustrating for your loved one. Our advice: take a deep breath, be patient and repeat the message until it is understood.

Try a different tact

Following on from above, all hearing losses are individual and perhaps if someone can’t understand at all what you are saying, there may be some frequencies that are utterly inaudible to them. Raising your voice isn’t going to fix this. We suggest rephrasing what you are trying to say and speaking more clearly.

Encourage your loved ones to seek help

Do whatever your loved one needs to support them: accompany them to their appointments, offer your opinions on the hearing aids they are choosing between, let them know that you are always going to be around for support and encourage them to strive for the best version of themselves.

The most important thing is to be there for your loved one. We are always happy to offer advice to anyone who needs it – if this is you, do not hesitate to drop us a message.

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