If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from hearing loss, you’re probably right. Friends and family typically notice the signs first — even before the individual does. This means you’re in a position to make a big difference in the life of someone you love.
By following these simple steps, you can help your father, sister or friend reconnect with everything they love most.
It’s important to understand that hearing loss isn’t just an inconvenience. When not properly treated, it can cause a significant decline in quality of life, influencing job performance, personal relationships, willingness to socialize, and emotional health.
Learn the basic facts about hearing loss, including how common it is, how most people react to it initially, and what the various causes are. Having this background will allow you to be sensitive about how your friend or family member is feeling.
To help you decide whether your hunch is correct, ask yourself whether your loved one is exhibiting any of the signs of hearing loss.
If a friend or family member is showing symptoms of hearing loss, communicate openly about it. Make clear that it is a treatable problem. Discuss how far hearing aids have come in recent years. And talk about what to expect when visiting a hearing doctor.
The best thing you can do to support someone with hearing loss? Offer to go along to the hearing doctor. We’re happy to have friends or family sit in on appointments; it makes our patients feel more comfortable, and ensures they ask all the questions they wanted to cover.
Two-thirds of people with hearing loss who don’t use hearing aids say their hearing isn’t bad enough, or they can make due without it. But why settle for getting by when there’s help available? Remind your loved one that getting treatment can change everything — making day-to-day interactions clearer and socializing easier.
“The doctors and staff have been superb! I have been able to hear things — talking and hearing people in a crowded room. Set up an appointment and change your life.”
Richard from Manhattan, KS
About 33% of people over age 60 have hearing loss. And approximately 50% of those older than 85 have hearing loss.