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HELPING SOMEONE WITH HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss impacts not just the individual but also their family and friends. Seeking treatment benefits everyone around them. This page offers guidance on supporting your loved one in their journey to better hearing.

HELPING SOMEONE WITH HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss impacts not just the individual but also their family and friends. Seeking treatment benefits everyone around them. This page offers guidance on supporting your loved one in their journey to better hearing.

HELPING SOMEONE WITH HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss impacts not just the individual but also their family and friends. Seeking treatment benefits everyone around them. This page offers guidance on supporting your loved one in their journey to better hearing.

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6 signs your loved one has hearing loss

  1. Difficulty following conversations
  2. Phone conversations are unclear
  3. They ask others to repeat themselves
  4. Difficulty locating sounds
  5. Signs of tinnitus
  6. Turning up the TV too loud

6 signs your loved one has hearing loss

  1. Difficulty following conversations
  2. Phone conversations are unclear
  3. They ask others to repeat themselves
  4. Difficulty locating sounds
  5. Signs of tinnitus
  6. Turning up the TV too loud

Changes in behavior can indicate hearing loss

If someone you know has untreated hearing loss, you might observe changes in their behavior, such as:

  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Feelings of shame, guilt, or anger
  • Increased self-criticism, frustration, and depression

When to seek help for hearing loss

Changes in behavior can indicate hearing loss

If someone you know has untreated hearing loss, you might observe changes in their behavior, such as:

  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Feelings of shame, guilt, or anger
  • Increased self-criticism, frustration, and depression

When to seek help for hearing loss

Ways to support someone with hearing loss

Here are three ways to help your loved one take the first step toward improved hearing:

Study the signs of hearing loss together

Explore and understand common symptoms of hearing loss to better identify any issues.

Take our quick and easy online hearing test

Use our convenient online hearing test to get an initial assessment of hearing ability.

Schedule a free hearing test with our experts

Arrange a free appointment with a hearing specialist for a detailed evaluation and personalized advice.

Effects of untreated hearing loss

Your loved one might not realize the impact of their potential hearing loss. You can inform them about the advantages of early hearing care. Untreated hearing loss can lead to:
  • Greater mental strain
  • Social isolation and depression
  • Poor balance and a higher risk of falls
  • Increased likelihood of developing dementia

Untreated hearing loss

Ways to support someone with hearing loss

Here are three ways to help your loved one take the first step toward improved hearing:

Study the signs of hearing loss together

Explore and understand common symptoms of hearing loss to better identify any issues.

Take our quick and easy online hearing test

Use our convenient online hearing test to get an initial assessment of hearing ability.

Schedule a free hearing test with our experts

Arrange a free appointment with a hearing specialist for a detailed evaluation and personalized advice.

Ways to support someone with hearing loss

Here are three ways to help your loved one take the first step toward improved hearing:

Study the signs of hearing loss together

An environment where you have to raise your voice significantly to be heard over the background noise.

Take our quick and easy online hearing test

Use our convenient online hearing test to get an initial assessment of hearing ability.

Schedule a free hearing test with our experts

Arrange a free appointment with a hearing specialist for a detailed evaluation and personalized advice

Effects of untreated hearing loss

Your loved one might not realize the impact of their potential hearing loss. You can inform them about the advantages of early hearing care. Untreated hearing loss can lead to:
  • Greater mental strain
  • Social isolation and depression
  • Poor balance and a higher risk of falls
  • Increased likelihood of developing dementia

Untreated hearing loss

6 benefits of treating hearing loss

  1. Hear clearly in most situations and enjoy life more
  2.  Be able to participate in conversations again
  3. Avoid the stress and discomfort caused by impaired hearing
  4. Avoid having to ask people to repeat themselves
  5. Hear phone conversations effortlessly
  6. Listen to the TV at the same volume as other people around you

6 benefits of treating hearing loss

  1. Hear clearly in most situations and enjoy life more
  2.  Be able to participate in conversations again
  3. Avoid the stress and discomfort caused by impaired hearing
  4. Avoid having to ask people to repeat themselves
  5. Hear phone conversations effortlessly
  6. Listen to the TV at the same volume as other people around you

7 Tips for Effective Communication

  1. Get their attention before speaking.
  2. Speak clearly, without shouting.
  3. Sit close with your face well-lit.
  4. Don’t cover your mouth or speak while chewing.
  5. Reduce background noise.
  6. Avoid interruptions in group talks.
  7. Rephrase if not understood.

7 Tips for Effective Communication

  1. Get their attention before speaking.
  2. Speak clearly, without shouting.
  3. Sit close with your face well-lit.
  4. Don’t cover your mouth or speak while chewing.
  5. Reduce background noise.
  6. Avoid interruptions in group talks.
  7. Rephrase if not understood.

Did you know?

In 2024, advancements in hearing care make it easier than ever to help someone with hearing loss. Early treatment can improve communication, reduce isolation, and even lower the risk of cognitive decline. Taking the first step toward better hearing could change your loved one’s life!

TIPS FOR TALKING TO A FRIEND ABOUT HEARING LOSS

 

It can be tempting to address a loved one’s hearing difficulties in the moment, especially after repeating yourself multiple times or being frustrated with the TV volume. You may feel tired of repeating yourself or playing the role of translator at social gatherings.

While it might seem appropriate to discuss the issue right then, remember it can be hard for your loved one to accept. Raising the topic at an unexpected time may make them defensive and less open to your message. Instead, begin the conversation in a quiet, private setting where your loved one feels at ease.

Equally important as choosing the right setting for your conversation is approaching it with compassion. Telling your loved one they might have hearing difficulties should come from a place of care, not frustration. If you’re feeling upset, take a moment to gather your thoughts before initiating the discussion. This allows you to address the issue more calmly, making it easier for your loved one to relate and understand.

It can also help to keep track of specific situations where you notice they struggle to hear. This not only helps you manage frustration but also provides helpful, actionable examples for the conversation.

Your loved one likely knows their hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be, but they might not realize how serious the issue is. Be prepared for this, and be ready to firmly explain how their hearing loss is impacting their life, from social limitations to mental and physical health concerns. Untreated hearing loss affects much more than just hearing. It’s important to provide them with the information needed to encourage them to take the next step toward addressing it.
If your loved one struggles to accept their hearing loss or is hesitant to take action, it’s crucial to align your perspectives. A helpful approach is to have them take a straightforward online hearing test. While this test isn’t a substitute for a professional evaluation, it serves as a useful initial step. You can even complete the test together to make the process easier.
Even if your loved one is ready to seek help for their hearing issues, they might feel unsure or overwhelmed about how to proceed. Offer your support by gathering information, assisting with scheduling an appointment with a hearing care expert, and accompanying them to the appointment to show your encouragement.

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