Supporting a Loved One with Hearing Loss

If you have a loved one with hearing loss, it can feel overwhelming to try to give them the help they need. Sometimes our best intentions end up doing more harm than good, and accommodating hearing loss is no exception. Even the ways we try to improve communication can come across as belittling, pedantic, or rude. When you are trying to support a loved one with hearing loss, there is one simple principle to follow: listen. If you think there is something you can do to help, simply ask if you can be of service. If your loved one requests accommodation, keep that habit in mind for next time. On the contrary, if your loved one refuses the type of support that comes to mind for you, follow their lead in offering the solutions they desire. Within the context of careful listening and support, the following are some of the other steps you can take to make a difference in the life of your loved one with hearing loss. 

Clear Communication

The struggle to carry on conversations is the main challenge facing those with untreated hearing loss, and no two experiences are exactly the same. Some people prefer you to raise your volume when speaking, but others can sense that you are doing so and feel ashamed to see you speaking so much more loudly than you otherwise would. Try to speak as naturally as possible to your loved one with hearing loss. Standing closer is a great solution, enabling you to use a natural volume and style of delivery, while minimizing the distance between you. Perhaps the most universal approach to accommodating hearing loss is to avoid speaking to the person from another room in the house. Likely the person with hearing loss will be able to hear a voice but unable to determine what is being said. Try to wait until you are in the same room to deliver your message or ask your question. The best position for conversation is directly in front of your loved one in a position where they can not only hear what you are saying but also see the movement of your mouth and facial expressions. 

Thoughtfully Assist

When you are in a conversation with others, there are steps you can take to thoughtfully assist the communication process. Particularly those who don’t know your loved one has hearing loss or are unaware of what they can do to help can make mistakes, either speaking too softly, looking in another direction, or mumbling. If you can tell that your loved one doesn’t understand something that has been said or asked in the conversation, there are easy ways for you to relay the question using different words. Rephrasing gives your loved one another opportunity to interpret the statement or question, so try varying the word choice. Although repetition can help, take care not to directly answer on behalf of your loved one with hearing loss. By cutting them out of the conversation, you can contribute to feelings of alienation and isolation. Rather than answering on their behalf, think of yourself as a trusted interpreter who makes their opinion and voice feel valued in the group. 

Set the Scene

There are a few additional steps you can take to make communication easier. Try to reduce or eliminate background noise that can get in the way of conversations, particularly televisions or radios that offer competing voices. If you are going out with your loved one to a restaurant or other public place, ask the host to place you at a table where background noise is at a minimum. You will probably want to sit next to your loved one with hearing loss to take on that role of the interpreter when necessary. 

Perhaps the best thing you can do to support your loved one with hearing loss is to encourage treatment. Your services can only go so far toward providing a better hearing environment, and hearing aids are a proven method of assistance. The process of seeking treatment begins with a hearing test, so you can even help your loved one make an appointment to start on the road toward treatment. 

If you – or a loved one – feel ready to seek hearing loss treatment, contact us today! We provide comprehensive hearing services and we’re here to help.