Talking with a Loved One About Hearing Loss

by Judy Rasin

Hearing loss is a family affair.  

When someone has difficulty hearing it is not their problem alone - the entire family is affected.  The need for repetition interrupts the flow of communication and may be a source of frustration for all.  Watching a loved one withdraw from conversations and enjoyable activities is heartbreaking.  You can make a difference for your loved one.

Convincing your loved one to seek professional help may take a bit of courage!  It is the right thing to do, yet it may not be easy.  Hearing loss often comes on so gradually that the person with the loss is the last to be aware there is a problem.

A spouse with the best of intentions may become the “ears” for the person who is not hearing well.  While this is surely helpful in the moment it may prevent the person from realizing how much communication they are missing or mis-hearing.

Here are some things you can do to get the conversation going:
Talk to your loved one about their hearing concerns.

• Raise their awareness by pointing out when you “translate” for them.

• Suggest a visit to an audiologist to get a professional evaluation and gather information.  Offer to schedule an appointment and join them at the consultation.  There is nothing to lose and may be a great deal to gain.

Your suggestions may be met with some push-back.  Don’t be surprised – we often hold on to our preconceived ideas.  Unlike vision, when hearing loss develops people are not as quick to address it.  Many wait years before seeking treatment.

Your loved one may think that if he had a real hearing loss his family doctor would have diagnosed it.  But, fewer than 20% of doctors routinely screen for hearing loss.  A one-to-one talk in the doctor’s office may not point up the difficulties that a slightly more challenging conversation in a little background noise would, so the physician may not notice real-world hearing difficulties.

Some people are concerned about how hearing aids look.  Today’s hearing aids are sleek and “tech-y.”  They are the tools to get the job done.  And, remember hearing aids are less noticeable than mis-hearing conversation and responding inappropriately.

Some folks say that a little hearing loss is not so bad – “I’ll wait till it gets worse.”  But we have learned that even mild hearing loss leads to effortful listening, stress, social isolation, and even reduced earning power.  Acclimatization to hearing aids is easy – especially with family support, motivation, and a little patience.

Share in your loved one’s hearing care.  Hearing wellness involves the whole family.  There are so many ways in which we can help you on this journey.

Judy Rasin is a licensed New York State Audiologist and hearing aid dispenser at The Hearing Center at Pelham. You can contact Judy at (718) 822-4100 or visit their website.