So many of us have personal experience with hearing loss, whether we are one of the over 40 million Americans who experience it or have a loved one with hearing loss.
Through these experiences, we know that hearing loss doesn’t just affect the person experiencing it. It impacts relationships, emotional well-being, personal safety, and aspects of daily routine. If you’ve noticed a loved one who hasn’t yet taken that first step toward hearing care, you’re not alone. Many people delay getting help for years, often because of fear, stigma, or simply not realizing how much hearing can impact their quality of life and connectivity to their environment.
Below, tips and guidance are offered on how to lovingly support someone through the journey from acknowledgment of hearing loss to action and hearing health.
1. Begin with EmpathyIt’s natural to feel frustration when there is a barrier in communication. Some may see hearing loss as an easy fix and want to push someone to seek help—but hearing loss can be deeply personal.
Begin the conversation from a place of understanding. Use “I” statements to share what you’ve noticed: “I’ve noticed you seem a little more to yourself at social gatherings lately. I wonder if difficulty hearing is part of the reason?”
Avoid blaming or pressuring. Compassion sets the tone for an open dialogue.
Healthy hearing provides numerous benefits, such as enhanced social connection, better memory retention, a greater sense of personal security, a lower risk of hospitalization, and reduced healthcare costs.
Share the facts of prolonged hearing loss gently:
Testimonial videos from hearing aid users and hearing care professionals can bring to light how hearing health influences overall well-being and what options you have when seeking treatment.
Millions of Americans have some degree of hearing loss, and it’s not just an issue experienced by older adults. Due to genetics, injury, some medications, and noise exposure, hearing loss can happen to anyone at any age.
Let your loved one know that modern hearing technology is more effective and accessible than ever. Hearing aids are built to be discreet and can match the hair color or style preference of the wearer. The technology is also constantly advancing, with many major hearing aid brands offering Bluetooth connectivity to smartphones, audio devices, and televisions; apps to adjust sound from your phone; background noise reduction; tinnitus maskers; and health trackers.
There is a lot of information out there, which can be a barrier to reaching out for help. Offer to assist in the research of hearing professionals and hearing technology, attend appointments, and even consider get your own hearing checked too! There are also online screeners that can help in understanding your general hearing abilities, but these should not be a substitute for visiting a licensed hearing care professional for a comprehensive hearing examination.
If you loved one agrees to visit a hearing care professional, spend time discussing their experiences with hearing loss and write down questions in advance. Because there might be new information shared at the appointment, bring some paper and a pen to write down important information that will help your loved one in their hearing health journey.
After the appointment, make a day of it and celebrate with their favorite meal or activity.
Once your loved one starts using hearing technology, it might take some time to adapt to the sounds that they have been missing. Check in with them from time to time and share supportive encouragement. Compliment their efforts and celebrate any positive effects that you notice from their hearing aid use.
Ultimately, this is about helping someone you love stay connected -- to you, to others, and to the world around them. By approaching the topic with empathy and patience, you can help them take meaningful steps toward better hearing and a richer, connected life.
The Hearing Industries Association is the trusted voice on hearing health care for product innovation, public policy, patient safety and education.
