Watching someone close to you struggle with hearing can be difficult and naturally, you want to help. Whether you’re repeating things more often or stepping in to assist with conversations, your actions likely come from a place of love. But sometimes, these well-meaning efforts can delay your loved one from seeking the care they need.
Many experience hearing loss, with nearly 15% of adults in the United States reporting some degree of difficulty hearing. Therefore, it’s best understand the difference between supporting loved ones with hearing loss or enabling them from seeking treatment.
Ways You Could Be Enabling Hearing Loss
Often, families unknowingly make small accommodations that allow a loved one’s hearing loss to go unaddressed. These adjustments, though helpful in the moment, can delay important conversations and necessary evaluations.
You may be unintentionally enabling hearing loss if you:
- Regularly repeat yourself rather than suggest a hearing test
- Speak for your loved one during group conversations
- Increase the volume of the TV or music to a level that others find too loud
- Avoid social settings at places like Hickory Social House to limit their communication struggles
- Dismiss the effects of hearing loss to avoid a difficult discussion
Although these behaviors come from compassion, they can lead to longer-term isolation or prevent your loved one from realizing how much their hearing is affecting daily life.
Why Taking Action Matters
Leaving hearing loss untreated can have a negative impact on overall well-being. Continued accommodations, without addressing the issue, can create the illusion that things are manageable, when instead, treating the hearing loss can have a positive impact.
Getting ahead of hearing loss through early action helps protect the hearing that remains and supports long-term communication and well-being.
How to Offer Meaningful Support
Switching from enabling to truly supporting your loved one may require a shift in approach, but it can make a significant difference in their willingness to seek help.
Here are effective ways to support them:
- Share your observations with empathy: Emphasize that hearing loss is very common and that addressing it can improve many areas of life.
- Encourage professional care: Offer to help schedule a hearing test and even attend the appointment for support.
- Highlight the benefits: Point out how better hearing could improve relationships, make social settings more enjoyable, and increase safety at home and outside.
- Stay patient and compassionate: Acknowledging hearing loss is a deeply personal process. Be gentle and consistent without pressuring them.
Helping someone take charge of their hearing health reinforces their independence and can lead to a more fulfilling daily experience.
If hearing loss is diagnosed, hearing aids are often the first recommended step. Today’s devices are discreet, powerful and tailored to fit a variety of needs and environments. They ease communication and reduce the mental strain of trying to keep up in conversations.
To learn more about supporting a friend or family member with hearing loss or to schedule a hearing test for you or a loved one, contact Carolina Ear Nose & Throat – Sinus and Allergy Center today.