How to Find Support for Loved Ones with Hearing Loss

It can be hard to figure out how to support someone with hearing loss if you haven’t experienced this firsthand. Knowing what you can do to make things easier for them will help them no end, and getting the proper treatment and hearing aids for their hearing loss can get them back on the road to regaining their lifestyle, independence and confidence. If this sounds familiar, here’s how to help someone with hearing loss.

Have Empathy

You need to feel sympathetic to what they are going through and put yourself in their shoes. Sure, having to repeat yourself repeatedly can be frustrating, but not as frustrating as it is for someone struggling to hear what you are saying. Take a step back and look at things from their perspective. How can you be more sympathetic and help them out? Be more patient and understand they are struggling with the changes to their hearing.

Speak Up and Directly to Them

One great way to support your loved one is to make sure you speak up when talking to them and facing them directly. If they are struggling to hear sounds from behind them or need to look at your face when you talk, this can be massively helpful when talking to them. Many people don’t realize we rely on lip reading and facial expressions as much as the sounds we make when trying. Focusing on them and looking at them when talking can help you to be part of the conversation and make things easier for them.

Talk Slower

When someone struggles to hear, they may miss parts of the conversation. Slowing down when you talk can help you to enunciate your words and help them to stay in time with the discussion. Try not to rush things or mumble, as this can be tricky to understand with even mild hearing loss.

Reduce Background Noise

Background noise can be highly distracting, and if your loved one is having trouble concentrating or deciphering what you are saying. This can make things so much worse. Instead, turn off anything that can interfere with your hearing, such as the radio or tv and help make what you are saying clearer for them.

Get Their Hearing Checked

On average, people with hearing wait seven years before getting their hearing checked. If you notice any signs of hearing loss, such as not being able to listen to you talking if you’re in a different room or behind them, turning the tv or missing parts of conversations, then it can be worth booking an appointment to have their hearing checked. A hearing health professional can work with you to determine their hearing, the level of loss they are experiencing and the proper treatment for them in the future.

Offer to go with them to help them understand the appointment and communicate properly if they feel worried or unsure. This can give them the support they need to get hearing aids to help them improve their hearing and regain confidence.

If your loved one is struggling with hearing loss, knowing how best to help them can be a massive source of support as they navigate this time.