HOW TO RECOGNISE SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS IN LOVED ONES
Does a friend always ask you to repeat yourself? It could be a sign of a hearing loss.
Hearing loss develops slowly for many people. But what starts as a simple nuisance can quickly add up to something that can affect a person’s family, work, and social life.
Common signs of hearing loss in loved ones
Recognising difficulties when hearing
Hearing changes don’t usually happen overnight. Instead, they tend to appear gradually, often first catching the attention of partners, children, friends or coworkers who notice changes in everyday conversations.
If you find you’re being asked to repeat yourself often or notice that the TV volume is being turned up much louder than it used to be, you might be wondering whether a loved one’s hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be.
Leaving changes in hearing unaddressed can have long-term impacts, so it’s empowering to get early support. In fact, research shows that hearing aids improve social, emotional and physical wellbeing in people with hearing loss, enhancing overall quality of life. That’s why it’s important to recognise the common signs of hearing loss.
Hearing loss symptoms
What are the common signs of hearing loss?
- 1.
Difficulty understanding others due to listening fatigue
Listening fatigue happens when people with hearing loss use extra mental energy to follow conversations, especially in noisy settings. This constant effort can leave them feeling tired, stressed or withdrawn. - 2.
Frequently asking for information to be repeated
“Could you say that again, please?” Are you often being asked to repeat yourself? The need to have information repeated could be a clue that someone’s hearing has changed. Supporting your loved one through these changes can make conversations easier and more enjoyable for both of you. - 3.
Turning up the volume on devices
Is your partner’s favourite TV show so loud you feel compelled to turn it down? They may be turning up the volume because hearing difficulties make it harder to catch important dialogue. Encouraging a hearing check can help everyone enjoy shared moments again. - 4.
Difficulty hearing on the phone
You may find phone calls with your loved one are becoming more challenging. Without visual cues like lip reading or facial expressions, it’s harder for them to follow the conversation, especially with lower sound quality. Background noise can make it even more difficult to hear and understand. Offering patience and support during calls can help your loved one feel more included. - 5.
Trouble hearing across the home
Your loved one may no longer hear you if you call out to them from another room. Suggest moving closer or speaking clearly to help bridge these gaps and maintain connection. - 6.
Difficulty following group conversations
Background noise can make it harder for anyone to follow a conversation, but when a friend or loved one has trouble keeping up with conversations in a group, it’s a great time to encourage a hearing health check. Group settings can become more enjoyable with the right support and solutions. - 7.
Withdrawal from social situations and conversations
Missing out on what’s being said and feeling challenged in everyday situations can sometimes result in people with hearing difficulties feeling frustrated, embarrassed, fatigued or withdrawn.
“Sometimes, your loved one may choose not to attend social gatherings in places with background noise, such as restaurants or parties,” explains hearing care practitioner, K. Durrheim.
Does my parent need a hearing test?
Signs your parent needs hearing aids
As we age, there are several changes that occur to our hearing, from the inner ear, middle ear and along the nerve pathways to the brain.
Long-term noise exposure, tinnitus, ear wax build-up and other health conditions can also play a role in changes to your parent’s hearing health.
Hearing fatigue can show up in many ways. The sooner you can help your parent take action, the sooner you’re empowering them to reconnect with the sounds of life. Encourage your parent to embrace their hearing health journey and enjoy every moment with confidence.
How to support a loved one experiencing hearing loss
