How to support a loved one with hearing loss
Tips for starting the conversation about hearing health
How do I raise the issue of hearing loss with my loved one?
- 1.
Be open and honest
Hearing loss is a complex issue. Not only does it affect your loved one, it can affect their relationships with family and friends, too. Don’t shy away from the tough truths and impact hearing loss has on everyone involved. - 2.
Focus on the benefits
There are so many advantages to addressing hearing loss. From improved physical and mental well-being to increased social interaction, getting back one’s hearing health can make a world of different. Focus on these positives aspects. - 3.
Solutions are available and accessible
Modern technology has evolved to meet the hearing needs of each individual’s lifestyle. Talk about the benefits of using hearing aids. Make sure you approach the conversation with care, focusing on how today’s advanced technology makes hearing easier, more comfortable and enjoyable. - 4.
Address their concerns
Ask your loved one what their hesitations or concerns are. Allow them to express their feelings without judgement. Try to understand their expectations and what they would ideally like to achieve. Use this to bridge the gap towards seeking help. - 5.
Let them know you’re there
Hearing loss can make people feel like they’re alone. Making sure your loved one knows you’re there is such an essential part of their journey. Offer to help make an appointment and join them for their first consultation. - 6.
Take away the stigma
If you know of anyone else who has dealt with hearing loss or uses hearing aids, introduce them to your loved one. Talking to someone who has taken their own journey and having real-life success stories as a source of motivation can help reduce the stigma surrounding hearing loss.
Understanding hearing loss needs
Be a part of their hearing wellness journey
Support and comfort
Provide emotional support, reducing any anxiety or stress associated with the appointment.
Additional perspective
Offer observations on your family member’s hearing abilities in different environments; this can be valuable information for your hearing care professional.
Help with communication
Assist in understanding the explanations and recommendations from your hearing care practitioner.
Memory aid
Help your loved one recall key details so they don't miss important information or instructions.
Decision-making
Your perspective can help your loved one make confident and well-informed choices about care, technology and next steps.
Adjusting to new hearing aids
How can I help my loved one adjust to wearing hearing aids?
Wearing hearing aids for the first time will feel a little strange for your loved one. They might notice everyday sounds, like footsteps or the hum of the fridge, feel unfamiliar at first. It’s a good idea for the family to reassure their loved one that environmental sounds may seem different at first, but this is simply a sign that they are rediscovering important sounds they may not have heard for a long time, thanks to their hearing aids.
Over a few weeks of consistent use, their brain will adjust, making these sounds feel natural again. Encourage them to gradually wear their hearing aids over longer periods each day to ease the process of adaptation.
Supportive communication strategies
Create hearing-loss friendly communication
Whether it’s within the home or out and about, there are plenty of options to help a loved one hear better. Plan some hearing loss friendly communication strategies, like reducing background noise, speaking face-to-face and ensuring your loved one is actively engaged and included.
If you find that your loved one is still experiencing difficulty, speak to your hearing care practitioner about aural rehabilitation: exercises available to train the brain to cope with processing sound from the hearing aids.
You can also accompany your loved one on their visits to their hearing care practitioner. By doing so you can help ensure they are following the correct device instructions, assist with basic troubleshooting and help with changing batteries or wax guards.
With a little focus and care, you can help your loved one feel confident, connected and supported along the way.
A little motivation goes a long way
It’s common for people to downplay or dismiss changes in their hearing at first – either because they don’t notice the signs, or they feel it’s not serious enough to take action, or because of a stigma associated with hearing loss.
If your friend or loved one is still experiencing elements of hearing loss denial even after they have sought help from a hearing care practitioner, you can offer motivational support to keep them on the right track. Talk to them about how hearing aids reduce the progression of cognitive decline associated with hearing loss, or encourage them to discuss their resistance to wearing hearing aids with their hearing care practitioner.
You can make a difference by communicating your thoughts with empathy and encouragement. There’s no pressure – just the opportunity to discover how better hearing can open up their world. Find your nearest Bloom Hearing Specialists store and book your appointment.
If you persevere, your loved one will eventually notice the signs themselves. It’s important to be encouraging and supportive as they embrace their hearing changes at their own pace.
