According to the World Health Organization, around 466 million people worldwide (including around 34 million children) have hearing loss. Among adults aged 65 years and older, one out of three experience hearing difficulties.
If you have a loved one with hearing loss, it’s natural to be concerned about their ability to function in the world, their social life, and their overall health. However, talking to a loved one about hearing loss can be a sensitive topic.
Talking About Hearing Loss
Having this important conversation about hearing loss as early as possible can help your loved one receive the support they need for the best outcomes. These are some of our top tips for talking to a loved one about hearing loss.
Choose the right time and place
When talking about hearing loss, it’s important not to catch your loved one off guard. Choose a time and place where you can have a private conversation without interruptions.
Plan how you’ll approach the subject
Before you talk to your loved one, you should think through what you want to say. Don’t just dive into your concerns without any consideration for how your loved one will react. Personalize your approach to your loved one’s personality, and show that you are ready to help them in any way you can.
Be empathetic
Be gentle when raising the topic of hearing loss. It’s important to remember that hearing loss can be a sensitive subject to people as they might see it as a loss of independence or a trait of aging. Let them know that you’re there to support them by being empathetic and understanding.
Share how their hearing loss affects you
Rather than just expressing how their hearing loss affects them, share how it also affects you and others in the family. Share your concerns that could encourage your loved one to acknowledge the importance of the situation. For example, let them know you’re worried that their increased isolation could lead to loneliness and depression, or that not hearing well could put them at risk of falling.
Encourage a hearing test
Encourage your loved one to schedule a hearing test so they can get an accurate diagnosis from a professional. Offer to go with your loved one to the hearing test so they don’t have to do it alone. This gesture shows that you’re fully supportive of their health and ensures that you have an action plan on what to do next.
Offer support
Your loved one may be reluctant to tell you or others they have a hearing problem, and they might not know that there are solutions to their hearing loss. Listening to them with a supportive approach and letting them know you’re there for them. Offer support such as going with them to the hearing test, helping them pick out hearing aids, or suggesting accommodations like turning off background music or reminding others to speak one at a time.
Ask open-ended questions
It’s helpful to get your loved one talking about how their hearing loss makes them feel. Ask them open-ended questions such as: How can I help you in this situation? Do you think this is affecting your quality of life? These questions can avoid defensiveness and help your loved one to open up.
Avoid negative language and use positive phrasing
It’s easy to fall into negative language that could make your loved one feel bad or shameful. Instead, use positive and encouraging language. You could say something like, “Your hearing is an important part of staying connected with loved ones” rather than “You can’t hear well and you need help.”
Book a Hearing Test
Talking to a loved one about hearing loss can be a difficult topic, but it can help your loved one take steps to get the support they need. As a caring listener, you could make a difference in your loved one’s life right now. By following these tips, you’ll be able to approach the subject with sensitivity and empathy.
As an important next step, encourage your loved one to schedule a hearing test with a hearing health professional. We welcome both you and your loved one to all hearing tests and appointments, and we love seeing supportive family. It takes courage, support, and positive communication to help a loved one with hearing loss, and we’re here to support you with expert advice when you need it.