How to Support Your Loved One with Hearing Loss

You may have a loved one with hearing loss and supporting them can be beneficial. Indeed, hearing loss can affect a person’s capacity to interact with close ones, which can cause frustration, misunderstandings and occasionally even conflicts. You can, however, take measures to assist them in adjusting and receiving the care they require. Here are some ways you can show support to your loved one with hearing loss.

Attend Hearing Appointments with Them

Your loved ones may occasionally feel uncomfortable when you go to the audiologist. And accompanying them to their appointments can help them feel at ease. This is an effective method to reassure them that they are not in this alone and that they can depend on you. You can also get the opportunity to ask the audiologist for any concerns to help you better support them, so keep this in mind.

Make Changes to Your Communication Style

With hearing aids, your loved one’s hearing can improve. However, there will continue to be instances when your loved one can’t hear or converse as effectively as they would want, even if they wear them. You can change your communication style to ensure your loved one knows what you’re saying.

You could speak more softly, as louder speech frequently results in less understanding and more frustration. Consequently, you can communicate with your loved one more effectively by keeping eye contact, minimizing interruptions, keeping your lips open and using gestures to get their attention before speaking.

Draw Their Attention if They Mishear Things

Take the time to explain what you’ve been talking about if you notice that they are not paying attention to the conversation. Since it can be very challenging for them to hear when many people speak at once, ensure they understand what you said by checking in with them. When you are about to change the subject, let them know in advance. Don’t talk over them to prevent them from feeling frustrated and alone.

Making Small Changes to the Surroundings

For someone with hearing loss, simple environmental adjustments might be beneficial. Choose a setting appropriate for serious conversations. For example, restaurants or other locations with poor acoustics might be particularly difficult for those with hearing loss. In this situation, stay close to your loved one so they can watch your lips move and hear you. You can also leverage carpets and drapes in large rooms to lessen echo, so feel free to consider this.

Don’t Give in to Frustration

It can be frustrating when a loved one hears something you say wrongly. Don’t become angry when they repeatedly ask you to repeat something. Patience is essential here. Instead of speaking loudly, talk things through slowly and repeat what you said. Find out how to make it clearer to them by asking them. It’s frequently much simpler for your loved one to grasp certain phrases you say if they are familiar with the topic you are discussing, so keep this in mind.