How to Talk to a Loved One About Hearing Loss
By Dr. Megan Myers-Auria, CCC-A
Have you ever had a hearing appointment scheduled and the office asked if you could bring your spouse or a loved one to the appointment and you wondered why? Hearing loss doesn’t just affect the person with the loss, it also affects the whole family, friends, and anyone you come in contact with.
How does it affect others you may ask? From frustration with having to repeat conversations and misunderstood words, to the heartbreak of seeing someone you love withdraw and isolate themselves from activities and people because of their hearing loss. The negative effects of hearing loss not only affect the person with hearing loss but also their loved ones close to them.
Let’s start with the facts; a person with an untreated hearing loss can affect their quality of life in many ways. Oftentimes our friends and family members are helping by compensating without realizing. This can potentially cause the person to not seek help right away. Well intended efforts, such as repeating or “translating” to your spouse or family member what others are saying may be preventing your loved one from realizing how much communication they are actually missing out on. I often tell my patients and their loved ones, “You don’t realize what you are missing because you are missing it.” This truly resonates with them. Studies have linked untreated hearing loss to stress, depression, early onset dementia, social withdrawal, and isolation.
Did you know most people wait an average of 7 to 10 years before they decide to do something about their hearing loss? It’s not healthy for them to wait and it can cause major strain on your relationship when you have to act as their ears for many years.
Tips for Talking with Someone with Hearing Loss:
Choose a quiet location away from background noise. Face your loved one so your voice travels straight toward them and speak clearly.
Pronouns count – use the word “I” instead of “YOU”. I am concerned versus You never listen.
Give positive benefits for hearing aids – you’ll be able to hear your granddaughter when she calls on the phone.
Hearing loss can also lead to other diseases such as dementia. People with hearing loss tend to withdraw from social settings and become depressed.
Offer to have your hearing tested as well.
How can you help? Talk to your loved ones about their hearing concerns. Gently remind them of their hearing loss every time you repeat or “translate” what someone is saying. Schedule and attend with them a hearing consultation done by a professional. Remind them they have nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain by seeing a hearing professional. Visit Swift Audiology at www.swiftaudiology.com to schedule a hearing evaluation today. Your loved one may benefit from our “no obligation, no cost” test drive. Just like when you put on glasses and realize how much better you can see, so it is with customized hearing aids.
Megan Myers-Auria is Doctor of Audiology at Swift Audiology. The practice provides hearing loss services, hearing protection, and medical hearing aid devices to patients at 4 convenient offices throughout the Pittsburgh region. For more information, visit swiftaudiology.com or call 412-274-7285.