Discussing hearing loss with a loved one can feel challenging, as there are many negative stereotypes associated with it that may make them feel reluctant to open up. However, addressing these concerns is essential—not only to ease the daily struggles that come with hearing difficulties but also to prevent isolation and potential declines in both mental and physical health.
In this article, we share approaches to discussing hearing loss with loved ones to ensure they receive the support they need, whether that involves getting hearing aids or arranging in-home care from experienced caregivers who understand the unique needs of individuals with hearing challenges.
Trinity Homecare, in partnership with OutsideClinic, is committed to enhancing the support we offer to our clients. OutsideClinic provides professional eye and hearing tests right in a client’s home, performed by specialists equipped with the latest portable testing technology. This ensures bespoke and comprehensive care without the need to travel.
Why should we talk about hearing loss?
Although it can be difficult to talk about hearing loss, we mustn’t shy away from the topic. Not only does talking about hearing loss help destigmatise the topic, but it can also help encourage those you love to get their hearing tested.
Many people live with hearing loss for many years without doing anything about it. In fact, a surprising number of people will make lifestyle adjustments, like speaking more loudly, facing the person they are talking to or turning the TV volume up, and never realise that they have a hearing issue.
In these circumstances, it is easy for the person to believe their hearing is normal, so bringing up the conversation can be important to help them realise that they are living with hearing loss.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
The signs of hearing loss can often be masked in the initial stages, and you may not notice that your loved one is experiencing hearing loss until it is already advanced.
However, some common signs of hearing loss to look out for include:
- Difficulty understanding speech – especially in group situations, in situations with lots of background noises, or over the phone
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning up the volume on the TV or radio
- Difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds
- Feeling tired or stressed after being in social settings – this is often a result of having to concentrate hard when listening
- Watching people’s lips to try and work out what they’re saying
- Experiencing a clogged feeling in your ears
How to start the conversation about hearing loss:
Although starting the conversation about hearing loss can be tricky, with a little empathy, understanding and preparation, it is much easier. Here are a few tips to help you start the conversation:
1. Choose your moment
Talking to someone with hearing loss can be frustrating for both parties involved. The person bringing up the conversation may find themselves having to repeat themselves or speak louder to ensure they are heard, while the person living with hearing loss can feel embarrassed about the situation and quickly become defensive.
For these reasons, it is best not to broach the subject of hearing loss during moments of irritation or frustration, as it will set the wrong tone for the conversation and make it more difficult.
It’s also important to pick a time when you can meet face-to-face in a quiet setting with plenty of privacy. This will not only help ensure you’re heard but prevent the other person from worrying about what others think.
2. Choose your language carefully
If you use accusatory or mocking language when broaching the subject of hearing loss, people may react more defensively. So, instead of addressing hearing loss as their problem, try using compassionate language that focuses on the signs you’ve noticed. Phrases like “I’ve noticed that…’ or ‘I’m a bit worried that…’ are a more empathetic way to start the conversation.
3. Keep the conversation positive
Hearing loss can come with a lot of stigma, so focus on the positives instead. Discuss the practical and emotional benefits of being able to hear clearly, as well as how much better modern hearing aids are in terms of practicality and looks.
4. Be supportive
Talking about hearing loss should be a two-way conversation, so it’s important you stop and take the time to listen to their concerns and worries during the discussion. Many people feel they are giving up a bit of their independence by relying on a hearing device, so it’s important you are supportive by listening to their concerns and offering help when they need it.
Don’t forget that the conversation about hearing loss is just the beginning. Once you’ve raised the subject it’s important you offer support throughout their hearing journey. For example, you could accompany them to their audiology appointment or make sure you ask them how their appointment went.
Home care for hearing loss
If you’re looking for dedicated home care for a loved one experiencing hearing loss, trust Trinity Homecare. For the past 25 years, we have provided the highest standards of care in the comfort of people’s own homes.
We understand that deteriorating hearing can be worrying and lead to increased feelings of isolation. However, we passionately believe that with the dedicated support of carers with experience supporting those with hearing loss, your loved one can live a full life.
At Trinity Homecare, as well as offering fully trained carers with experience of hearing loss, we have also partnered with Outside Clinic, specialists in providing home hearing tests for those unable to visit an audiologist.
Arrange home care
Trinity Homecare is a fully managed care agency with an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, placing Trinity amongst the top 4% of all nationwide care companies in England. With this in mind, you can rest assured that your loved one will receive the highest standard of care and specialist support.
If you have any questions about arranging care, simply get in touch with our helpful and knowledgeable care team.
Arranging nationwide home care with Trinity is straightforward.
Simply follow these five steps:
- Call our care team
- Undergo a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your care needs and arrange a care assessment
- After the assessment, a plan of care is created
- A well-suited carer is found and placed
- Care can be adapted at any time
