How to Talk to Your Loved One About Hearing Loss

Health is a delicate topic. Some people go through a period of denial when they notice that their health is in decline, and when it comes to the loss of one of the senses, it can be even more difficult a subject to broach.

People often see hearing loss as a sign that they are aging, this is largely because hearing loss is linked to those of advanced age and it’s the age group that is most commonly known to suffer with it. It can be very difficult to accept and very difficult to talk about, so if you have concerns about a member of your family or a close friend and their hearing abilities, you need to know how to start a conversation that will be productive and helpful instead of attacking.

The place and time matter

Talking to someone about their health is a sensitive issue, and while you have probably had to repeat yourself on more than one occasion in public, it’s really a discussion that you should be having in a private setting. Take the time to sit your loved one down and bring the conversation to the worries that you are having, and that you feel the time is here to see an audiologist. A quiet place to talk is important because you want them to hear you when you tell them your concerns. You should be prepared for a level of defensiveness, but not be offended by it.

A place of love

Your family member will know that you’re telling them your concerns because you care, but if they don’t want to hear those concerns they may not react that way. You shouldn’t dictate what you think that they should do, but you should instead explain you’ve had some concerns about how much they can hear you when you speak and that you worry about how much you have to repeat. Keep your tone calm and gentle and you’ll be able to convey your worry in a positive and compassionate way.

Make an assumption

When you sit and have this conversation about booking an appointment with an audiologist, you should assume that they already know that they are struggling with their hearing. Denial is a big thing, so your loved one probably has an idea but doesn’t know how to handle it. Usually, it takes knowing that someone they love is affected by the hearing loss, too, for them to take action with it.

Show empathy

Ask them how they feel about their hearing loss. Sometimes, having a voice of concern listen and empathize with their worries can lessen the blow that something is wrong. You can offer to go with them to the doctor, do research about what to expect with them and be there to reassure them that you will help them to adjust to life with hearing aids or implants.

The person you love could be nervous about getting treated, but you can be there for them from start to finish.