Hearing loss is exactly that: a loss. Although people continue to live exciting, fulfilling lives with hearing loss, this change can be disorienting at first. It’s common for people to struggle with immense feelings of grief.
In addition to their hearing health, a person may also grieve for changes in their social life. A survey conducted by GN/ReSound showed that 75 percent of those with hearing loss started socializing differently, which can deeply impact a person’s sense of connection with loved ones and their self-confidence.
With these potential long-term personal and social implications, you may feel helpless watching someone close to you struggle to adapt to their changing hearing health.
Fortunately, Jenn Schumacher, M.D., an audiologist at ReSound, has offered some useful tips to guide anyone unsure of how to best support their loved one with hearing loss.
1. Confirm hearing health status with a hearing test
“Denial is a common reaction when someone notices changes in their hearing ability,” says Schumacher. “Instead, it might be easier to believe that other people are mumbling, that actors on TV don’t speak as clearly as they used to, or that phone call connections are spotty.
However, if you suspect your loved one is actually experiencing hearing loss, encourage them to take an online hearing test, which is free and only takes a few minutes to complete. If they’d prefer to be assessed in person, there are also online tools available to help you find your nearest hearing care professional.
“In the case that your loved one is hesitant to be tested, kindly remind them that getting confirmation is the first essential step to getting the appropriate treatment to improve their hearing and alleviate their frustration,” says Schumacher.
2. Rise above the social stigma
“People are sometimes wary of the social stigma associated with hearing loss, especially that it’s a negative sign of old age,” says Schumacher. “In contemporary culture, where aging can be seen as an inherently undesirable process, we can be hard on ourselves when our bodies change over time.”
While many people’s hearing loss is age-related, this is not always the case. Hearing loss is also caused by factors like noise-induced damage and chronic diseases, so really it can affect people of all ages. “Moreover, it’s important to try not to be embarrassed about caring for your health,” says Schumacher. “It may be challenging and it’s very common to experience some amount of self-consciousness, especially if you’re beginning to use new devices like hearing aids. However, there’s no shame in doing whatever is best for your individual health needs.”
3. Remind them hearing loss doesn’t change who they are
Many also worry that hearing loss will change other people’s perceptions of their intelligence and capability. When someone struggles to hear, it occasionally impacts their ability to communicate effectively, but this doesn’t accurately reflect a person’s understanding.
“You can support your loved one by using several helpful communication practices, including facing them and being in the same room when possible, using expressive gestures and facial expressions, enunciating clearly and speaking at a moderate pace,” says Schumacher. “While it’s important to be accommodating, it’s equally important to encourage your loved one to exercise their independence and express themselves as usual. Adapting to these changes will be an interesting journey, but one that can still be full of the same love and care.”
4. Embrace improving hearing aid technology
Some people may think that all hearing aids are bulky, unstylish, and technologically simple. If your loved one is worried about how wearing hearing aids will look, you can reassure them that modern technology has improved exponentially to maximize comfort and subtlety.
“Today, there are a wide range of hearing aids available to suit every person’s individual needs while also getting smaller, sleeker, and smarter,” says Schumacher. “Hearing aids can also come in a variety of colors to match skin tone or hair color, in order to blend in with the user’s natural appearance.”
5. Highlight health benefits for addressing hearing health issues early
Research has long since connected untreated hearing loss to various other health issues. So, if your loved one isn’t taking action for their hearing, it’s best to discuss with them how it’ll be beneficial in the long run to maintain their overall quality of life. Namely, studies have shown that dementia is more common among people with hearing loss. However, recent research has shown that using hearing aids and regular audiologist visits reduces cognitive decline in adults with hearing loss.
Additionally, a recent study showed that adults with hearing loss were more likely to report use of antidepressant or antianxiety medication and other mental health services. Additionally, among those with moderate hearing loss, those who used hearing aids were three times less likely to experience psychological distress.
“Coming to terms with hearing loss may not be a smooth or linear process—it takes time and persistence,” says Schumacher. “But with the support of loved ones and the help of modern tools, people with hearing loss can live rich lives, full social activities and personal accomplishments.”