How to Help Your Loved One with Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects more than just the individual who has it. It also has an impact on spouses, family members and friends. The inability of your loved ones to hear voices or warning sounds may physically endanger them and emotionally affect them. It’s not always simple to persuade someone to get assistance for hearing loss, but you can do some of the few below to help them.

Discuss Hearing Aids with Them

Sometimes visiting a hearing health professional, arranging a hearing test and helping your loved one get a hearing aid is enough to improve their hearing. However, this isn’t always as easy as it seems. Research suggests that only 17% of Americans requiring hearing aid use them. Starting a conversation with a loved one who could benefit from fitting a hearing aid can be tough sometimes. A hearing test with a hearing health professional may be a good start for those in denial. You can do the following if you receive a pushback after the first appointment:

• Check to see if trying out some hearing aids can assist.
• Show them the newest, more discreet hearing aids.
• Assure your loved one how nicer life could be if they hear well.
• Make it clear that this is an option for everyone, not only those with hearing loss.

Change How You Communicate with Them

Even with hearing aids fitting, there are occasions when people who experience hearing loss may be unable to hear or converse as effectively as they would want. What are your options at this moment? You can alter your communication style to ensure your loved one knows what you’re saying. You can do the following if necessary:

• Directly face your loved one.
• Ensure you have their attention before speaking.
• Inquire if there is anything you can do to help them communicate. For instance, ask if they would prefer to move to a quieter area.
• Try to converse in an area with little background noise.
• You can employ visual cues such as facial expressions if they still experience trouble hearing you.

Encourage Them to Seek Support

Consulting a hearing professional is vital if you are experiencing hearing loss. Aside from encouraging your loved one to book an appointment with a hearing care provider, you can offer to schedule the appointments for them or join them to visit a hearing health professional. The visit may also help them meet other people with hearing loss.

They may answer common problems, share knowledge and discuss how technology, including hearing aids, has benefitted them. The hearing care provider may introduce your loved one to a support group. Meanwhile, the Hearing Loss Association of America also has statewide chapters where people can get together and discuss their experiences.

Be Patient

Adjusting to hearing loss takes time, so it is normal for your loved one to hesitate about making changes. If you are concerned about how they are acting, speak with them personally rather than informing others. Maintain a happy and easygoing attitude. It will be much simpler to help your loved one adjust and seek assistance if you are more encouraging and patient. Avoid making the process feel rushed since they may interpret it differently.