Help a Loved One with Hearing Loss

Being around someone who struggles with hearing loss can be frustrating and puts a strain on friends and family, especially when you know that better hearing can improve their quality of life and yours.

Untreated hearing loss can cause a person to lose confidence, withdraw socially, become isolated or even depressed. What appears to be memory loss or dementia may actually be hearing loss instead. Depending on the cause of the hearing loss, a person’s balance may also be affected.

Trying to get a loved one to take action and deal with their hearing loss isn’t always easy, but it’s the right thing to do. We’ve helped concerned family members and friends who want to share the gift of better hearing. We can walk you through what to do and say. Don’t wait to help someone suffering from symptoms like these; be proactive.

How can you help?

First and foremost, share your concerns about their hearing with them. Be tactful and be aware that it’s normal for people to become defensive when you bring up the subject. No one likes to admit it’s their hearing that’s a problem.

Encourage them to visit a hearing expert, but don’t get upset if they aren’t receptive to the idea at first. Mention it and then move to the next step of calling to schedule an appointment with us. Then let your loved one know you did it for them. Most people appreciate your concern and will come in to talk to us and get a hearing test.

1 out of 20 people will refuse to go, which tells you that this isn’t a priority for them or their pride is still getting in the way. Remind them that if they see the audiologist and the hearing tests show they don’t have a hearing loss, that would be good news!