Help for a Loved One: Are Your Parents or Relatives Showing Signs of Hearing Loss?
We’re often contacted by people concerned about hearing loss in a parent, relative, or friend. Difficulties with hearing can have a serious impact on personal relationships, as the person with hearing loss may not realise (or accept) they have a problem and become frustrated when they find it harder to communicate. It’s also common for others to be blamed for ‘not listening’ when the actual issue is mishearing or misinterpretation. This can be upsetting for everyone involved.
Recognising Hearing Loss in a Loved One
It’s often the case that a parent’s hearing loss is first spotted by their children, or by other relatives and friends who don't live with them constantly. Because hearing loss tends to progress gradually, your loved one may have become accustomed to these changes.
Signs you might notice:
Difficulty communicating: You find conversations more challenging, especially in groups.
Increased volume: They talk in an unnecessarily loud voice or turn the TV/radio volume up to high levels.
Misunderstandings: They frequently mishear or misinterpret what's being said.
Social withdrawal: They might start avoiding social situations or family gatherings.
Frustration: They become easily annoyed when they can't hear clearly.
Why Seeking Help for Hearing Loss is Crucial
As hearing deteriorates, life can become significantly more difficult for your parent, friend, or relative. Untreated hearing loss can lead to a range of challenges:
Social Isolation: Struggling to cope in social situations, finding it harder to make conversation, and enjoying music, films, and TV programmes less. This can lead to a loss of confidence and even complete social withdrawal.
Safety Risks: For those who drive, an inability to hear approaching vehicles, horns, or emergency sirens can be extremely dangerous. Using public transport also becomes challenging.
Health Implications: Research shows that untreated hearing loss can worsen other medical problems, including dementia and cognitive decline. It can also lead to feelings of helplessness, lack of independence, depression, and other mental health problems.
Don't let your loved one miss out on life's precious moments. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
Talking to Your Loved One About Their Hearing: A Gentle Guide
It can be hard to tell someone you care about that you think they’re having problems with their hearing. Equally, it can be difficult for the person with hearing loss to accept there’s anything wrong. Here are some tips to help you discuss things successfully:
Do some research first: The conversation might go better if you can show you’ve taken the time to find out about hearing loss and the powerful, discreet technologies available today. You’ll find all the information you need on the Key to Hearing website.
Speak in person: Hearing loss makes phone communication harder. Choose a quiet time when they’re relaxed and speak to them alone.
Focus on effects and benefits, not blame: Instead of saying ‘You need a hearing aid,’ try focusing on how their hearing loss impacts their life (e.g., "I'm concerned you're not going out much," or "The grandchildren miss talking to you"). Gently explain how professional help could enable them to enjoy these activities again.
Offer to be there: Suggest you both have your hearing evaluated at the same time, or offer to accompany them to their appointment. This makes the test a shared experience and provides reassurance. You can also offer to help them find a suitable audiologist and choose a hearing aid.
Respect their decision (with gentle encouragement): You can’t force anyone to seek help. It often takes 7 to 10 years for someone to address changes in their hearing. However, with gentle encouragement (not nagging!), you can hopefully inspire them to get help sooner.
How Key to Hearing Provides Compassionate Support
If your parent, friend, or relative agrees to a hearing evaluation, our award-winning audiologist, Keeley Salmon, will visit them in the comfort and privacy of their own home across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, and the surrounding Dorset & Hampshire area. This home visit service is particularly reassuring for those who lack social confidence or have mobility challenges. Of course, you’ll be welcome to accompany your loved one during the appointment.
With Key to Hearing, your loved one will receive:
Personalised, Unrushed Care: As an independent hearing care provider, we give your loved one as much time as they need for a thorough evaluation, ear health check (including for wax build-up or infections, which would be referable to their GP), and to answer all their questions.
Expert Recommendations: If suitable, we’ll demonstrate and discuss various hearing aid technologies tailored to their specific needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
Convenient Aftercare: All subsequent reviews and servicing appointments will also be carried out at home at times convenient for your loved one, ensuring ongoing support.
Ready to Help Your Loved One?
The last thing we want is for you and your loved one to miss out on the things you enjoy doing together. Take the first step towards improving their quality of life.
Contact Key to Hearing today to arrange a hearing evaluation. We can also offer further advice on how to successfully discuss hearing loss.
You can call us on 01202 511386, complete our enquiry form or chat to us online. We look forward to helping your loved one hear better.