Signs of hearing loss often show up in small moments, like your friend or family member repeating a sentence or turning up the TV too much. You notice the changes, but bringing them up can feel uncomfortable, as you don’t want to embarrass them or push too hard. However, with the right approach, talking to your loved one with undiagnosed hearing loss can feel supportive rather than stressful.
Why Hearing Loss Is a Sensitive Subject
For many individuals, the hesitation around admitting you may have hearing loss is frequently fueled by emotion. Appearing older, losing independence or being treated differently are all common fears. Stigma still plays a role, too—nearly half of people with hearing loss believe there’s a stigma around hearing aids.
When you understand the feelings that your loved one may be experiencing about hearing loss, you can approach your conversation with them with greater empathy.
What Not to Say
Although you only want what’s best for them, even well-meaning comments can come across as criticism. Try to avoid saying things like “You never listen anymore,” or “Your hearing is getting really bad.” These statements can feel blaming or embarrassing, which may lead to defensiveness or denial on their part, causing them to shut down or resist getting help for their hearing problem.
Choose the Right Moment and Use “I” Statements
If you’re thinking that talking to your dad about his hearing loss at the dinner table in front of the whole family is the way to go, you should reconsider. A calm, private setting where you can speak one-on-one without being overheard by others is a much better option. Also, try to bring up the topic when you’re both relaxed, not during a frustrating moment.
Start the conversation with what you’ve noticed about their hearing ability, and remember to use “I” statements, such as “I’ve noticed it’s harder for us to hear each other when we’re at a restaurant,” or “I care about you and want to make conversations easier.”
This approach keeps the focus on connection rather than criticism while reinforcing that you’re on the same team.
Reframe Hearing Care as a Quality-of-Life Upgrade
Although your loved one may be reluctant to access hearing care, stress the benefits of better hearing on their quality of life. For example, you might say, “I want you to enjoy dinners out again,” or “It would be great for you to hear everything at family gatherings.”
When you position hearing care as a way to stay engaged, it feels far more positive.
Be Patient if They Resist
You can’t force someone to seek care, and you really shouldn’t. Despite your best intentions, your loved one may need to take time before they’re ready to act. On average, individuals wait 10 years after their hearing loss diagnosis to get hearing aids.
If your loved one is hesitant about addressing their hearing loss, let them know that you’re always available to discuss it, and check back in with them in a few months to see if their perspective has changed.
Talking about hearing loss with a loved one isn’t a conversation anyone looks forward to. But when it comes from a place of care, it can help them feel supported and encourage them to take action, such as scheduling a hearing test. Our friendly, caring audiology team is here to make every part of your friend or family member’s journey to better hearing easy. If they’re ready to get started, encourage them to get in touch with us today.