Talking With a Loved One About Hearing Loss
How to help those you care about get the help they need
Hearing loss affects more than just the individual — it impacts spouses, family members, and friends alike. Beyond the potential safety risks, such as missing warning sounds or important voices, hearing loss can lead to emotional challenges that ripple through relationships. Family and friends may experience frustration from constant repetition, while the person with hearing loss may begin to withdraw from social interactions, leading to isolation and sadness.
How you can help start the conversation and support your loved one on their journey to better hearing:
- Talk to your loved one about their hearing concerns
- Gently remind them of their hearing loss every time you “translate” or repeat something for them
- Encourage them to visit a hearing professional to get their hearing tested and their questions answered
- Offer to schedule and attend a hearing consultation with them
- Remind them they have nothing to lose and so much to gain by treating their hearing loss
Encouraging a loved one to seek help for hearing loss can be challenging, but it’s an important step toward improving their quality of life and reconnecting them with the world around them.