How to Talk to Your Loved One About Hearing Loss

Talking to your loved one about any health issue can be uncomfortable or challenging, especially when talking about their auditory health. This is because you may not have realized this or are not ready to come to terms with their new reality. The truth is hearing loss is a common phenomenon many people face.

You must address the condition as soon as possible to avoid complications and other problems. If you have a loved one you believe is experiencing hearing loss, these tips should help you reach out and talk to them about it.

Educate them

It could very well be that your loved one is not aware they are experiencing hearing loss or would not admit that they are. In that case, educating them would be a good way of reaching out and talking about hearing loss. Discuss the tell-tale signs of hearing loss. This would help them deduce their current predicament on their own. You should touch on the health risks associated with untreated hearing loss, such as stroke, dementia and diabetes. 

Speak clearly

Before the talk, be sure to find a quiet and secluded place and away from background noises. Without a good location, the conversation may be stressful for you and your loved one and may become a big failure. Besides, during your discussion with your loved one, speak clearly and loudly for them to hear you or, if the degree of hearing loss is high, for them to read your lips. 

Use I or we

The last thing you want to do is accuse your loved one of the hearing loss they experience. Therefore, when talking to them, try using the pronouns I and we. For example, you should say, I, we noticed or I am, we are concerned instead of saying you never or you always using the pronoun you makes them feel accused and causes them to become defensive and shut down. Keeping the conversation compassionate would encourage them to make an effort on your behalf rather than forcing them to do something they are not comfortable with.

Be supportive

The hearing loss journey is an emotional one filled with frustration, denial and fear. Your loved one may be going through so many overwhelming emotions and would need you to help them navigate through it all. When talking to them, be a beacon of positivity. Bring to their attention the several treatment options available to help them live with hearing loss comfortably.

You can do this by sharing the success stories of how these hearing solutions have improved other patients’ lives. You can also be supportive by offering to accompany them to the audiologist’s office and offering to take the test as well. This is beneficial for you and your loved one. It gives you insight into your auditory health, and your loved one would not have to face the visit nervous and alone. 

Remember that the key to successfully talking to your loved ones about hearing loss is to do so lovingly and patiently.