A Family Guide to Supporting a Loved One with Hearing Loss

Hearing loss doesn't just affect the individual experiencing it—it impacts their entire family and social circle. When someone you care about struggles to hear, everyday interactions become challenging, from dinner conversations to watching TV together. Understanding how to support your loved one with hearing loss is crucial for maintaining strong relationships and ensuring they receive proper care.

Understanding Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is more common than many realize. According to research, approximately 17% of teenagers and 19% of people in their 20s already show signs of noise-induced hearing loss. More than 1 billion young adults worldwide are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.

Beyond the immediate effects on communication, untreated hearing loss has significant long-term impacts. Studies from Johns Hopkins University indicate that hearing loss can increase risks of falls, depression, social isolation, and cognitive decline. Perhaps most striking is that hearing loss is the #1 modifiable risk factor for dementia when identified and addressed in mid-life, according to the 2020 Report of the Lancet Commission.

Recognizing the Signs of Hearing Loss

One of the most helpful things you can do is recognize when a loved one might be experiencing hearing loss. Here are common signs to watch for:

• They frequently ask people to repeat themselves
• They seem to struggle with phone conversations
• They have difficulty following conversations with background noise
• They turn up the TV or radio volume louder than others prefer
• They misunderstand what others say and respond inappropriately
• They strain to understand conversations
• They complain that others mumble or don't speak clearly
• They have trouble understanding women's or children's voices
• They experience ringing, roaring, or hissing sounds
• Some sounds seem uncomfortably loud to them

If you notice three or more of these signs, it may be time to encourage your loved one to have their hearing checked.

The Emotional Impact of Hearing Loss

Understanding the emotional journey of someone with hearing loss is essential for providing appropriate support. Many experience:

Denial and Resistance

Many people with hearing loss initially deny the problem, often blaming others for mumbling or speaking too softly. This denial phase is natural but can delay necessary treatment.

Frustration and Isolation

As communication becomes more difficult, your loved one may feel frustrated and eventually withdraw from social situations. This isolation can lead to depression and strained relationships.

Grief

‍Some experience a period of grief over the loss of their hearing and the perceived impact on their independence or identity.

Acceptance

With proper support, many eventually reach acceptance and become open to solutions that can help them reconnect with their world.

Effective Communication Strategies

Implementing these communication techniques can significantly improve your interactions:

Get Their Attention

Before speaking, make sure you have your loved one's attention. A gentle touch on the arm or saying their name before starting a conversation helps ensure they don't miss the beginning of what you're saying.

Face Them Directly

Position yourself where your face is clearly visible. Good lighting is important, and avoid covering your mouth while speaking.

Speak Clearly, Not Loudly

Shouting distorts speech and can make understanding more difficult. Instead, speak at a moderate pace with clear pronunciation.

Rephrase Instead of Repeat

If your loved one doesn't understand something you've said, try rephrasing it using different words rather than simply repeating the same phrase louder.

Reduce Background Noise

Turn down music or TV when conversing. In restaurants, request a quiet table away from kitchens or large groups.

Use Visual Cues

Natural gestures and facial expressions provide additional context that can help with understanding.

Be Patient and Positive

Frustration is natural for both parties, but maintaining patience and a positive attitude helps everyone.

Supporting Treatment Decisions

When your loved one is ready to address their hearing loss, here's how you can help:

Accompany Them to Appointments

At PAC Audiology, we strongly encourage family members to attend hearing evaluations. Your perspective is valuable, and your presence provides emotional support during what can be an overwhelming process.

Learn Together

Take time to understand their specific type of hearing loss and the treatment options available. Our audiologists take time to listen to concerns, explain test results, and discuss treatment options during initial appointments.

Help with Adjustment

If your loved one chooses hearing aids, the adjustment period requires patience. Encourage consistent use, even when frustrating, and help them practice maintenance routines.

Validate Their Experience

Acknowledge the challenges they face and celebrate improvements. Positive reinforcement makes the adjustment process easier.

Hearing Aids and Other Solutions

Modern hearing aids have advanced significantly over the past decade. Today's devices are rechargeable, technologically advanced, and come in stylish designs. Many features can be controlled with smartphones via Bluetooth. Our audiologists will help determine the best option based on your loved one's hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget.

There are two main styles of hearing aids:

• Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-In-Canal (RIC): These models are worn comfortably behind the ear and are available for all degrees of hearing loss in various colors, styles, and technology levels.
• Custom: These models are made specifically to fit the shape of the ear canal for maximum benefit and comfort. They're available in many skin tones and can be very discreet.

At PAC Audiology, we work with leading manufacturers including Phonak, ReSound, Oticon, Signia, Widex, Starkey, Unitron, and Sonic Innovations.

Proper programming is crucial for hearing aid success. We use Real Ear Measurement (REM) to ensure your loved one's hearing aids are optimized for their specific hearing needs—not just set to manufacturer defaults.

Beyond Hearing Aids

Supporting someone with hearing loss goes beyond technology. Consider these additional approaches:

Assistive Listening Devices

These can complement hearing aids in challenging environments like theaters or lecture halls.

Communication Classes

Some audiology practices and community centers offer classes that teach communication strategies for both people with hearing loss and their communication partners.

Support Groups

Organizations like the Hearing Loss Association of America provide resources and community for people with hearing loss and their families.

Custom Hearing Protection

For those with hearing loss, protecting remaining hearing is crucial. We offer custom hearing protection that provides maximum protection and comfort by making an exact mold of the ears.

Taking Care of Yourself

Supporting someone with hearing loss can be emotionally taxing. Remember to:

Acknowledge Your Frustrations

It's normal to feel frustrated sometimes. Recognize these feelings without guilt.

Seek Support

Connect with other families experiencing similar challenges through support groups or online communities.

Practice Self-Care

Maintain your own health and well-being to be a better support person.

Educate Others

Help friends and family understand how to communicate effectively with your loved one.

When Additional Help Is Needed

Sometimes, hearing loss is accompanied by other concerns that require specialized attention:

Tinnitus‍

If your loved one experiences ringing or other sounds in their ears (tinnitus), this can be particularly distressing. We offer comprehensive tinnitus diagnostic evaluations and treatment options.

Balance Issues

Hearing problems and balance disorders are often connected. We provide advanced neurodiagnostic evaluation for dizziness and balance problems, with much shorter wait times than many hospitals.

Sound Sensitivity Disorders

Conditions like hyperacusis (heightened sensitivity to everyday sounds) and misophonia (strong emotional reactions to specific sounds) can significantly impact quality of life. Dr. Mamiya is the only audiologist in Washington state who has been helping diagnose and treat misophonia patients for the past 10 years.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Supporting a loved one with hearing loss is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and resources. At PAC Audiology, we're committed to helping families navigate this journey together. Our team of audiologists, including Dr. Anna Hiroka Mamiya and Dr. Marcy H. Abong, provide personalized care in a supportive environment.

We encourage you to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation for your loved one at our Bellevue clinic. Family members are welcome to attend this appointment to be part of their hearing health journey. Contact us at 425-455-0526 to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward better hearing and improved quality of life for your loved one.