Hearing loss makes it much harder to communicate with family and friends. It can be very frustrating, both for the person with hearing loss and for their conversation partners. Sometimes, the frustration can make you want to abandon the conversation altogether. But before you walk away, here are a few things people with hearing loss wish you knew.
You’re Not the Only One Who’s Frustrated
If you’ve been frustrated during a conversation with a loved one with hearing loss, remember that you’re not the only one who’s frustrated. Put yourself in your loved one’s shoes for a minute and imagine how you’d feel if every conversation was a struggle. Your loved one wants to connect with you and communicate, and they’re also frustrated when communication breaks down.
When your loved one asks you to repeat what you said, don’t roll your eyes or get upset. Instead, try repeating or rephrasing what you said and help your loved one participate in the conversation.
They’re Trying to Hear
When you’re talking to a loved one with hearing loss, remember that they’re putting in a lot of effort to hear you. If they don’t understand what you said, it’s not on purpose. They’re not ignoring you or being rude. In fact, they’re using a lot of effort straining to hear, and doing everything they can to follow the conversation.
Never assume that your loved one is being rude. It’s not their fault that they have a hard time hearing you, and they’re doing their best to hear what you’re saying.
Hearing Loss Is Sometimes Embarrassing
Your loved one with hearing loss wishes you knew that sometimes hearing loss is embarrassing. They often can’t hear exactly what’s been said. Conversations seem muffled or distorted, and they don’t hear every word that you say. Instead, they have to guess at what’s been said or use context to try to figure out the topic of conversation.
Sometimes they might get it wrong. Your loved one may guess at what’s been said but misunderstand the conversion. Answering incorrectly or off-topic can be embarrassing. People may think your loved one is confused or not paying attention when really, they just haven’t heard what was said.
It’s Hard to Socialize
Hearing loss can make it hard to socialize. Your loved one wants to socialize with family and friends, but hearing loss makes it challenging to follow conversations. This is especially true in a noisy restaurant, at a large venue, or even at home with a group of several family members.
People with hearing loss may choose to stay home rather than try to socialize. It takes so much energy straining to hear, and even with all that effort, they can’t always participate in the conversation. But if you do your best to help them communicate by turning down background noise, facing them when speaking, and gladly repeating what you’ve said, you can help your loved one stay socially active.
Be Patient with People with Hearing Loss
If you’re having a conversation with your loved one with hearing loss, be patient! When your loved one asks you to repeat themselves, patiently repeat or rephrase what you said. Don’t get impatient and remember that they’re doing their best to hear you.
And don’t shout the same words when someone asks you to repeat themselves. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and rephrase what you said in slightly different words. Avoid the urge to shout. This can distort the words and make them harder to hear. And your tone of voice will communicate that you’re frustrated and upset, putting up another barrier to communication.
Be Supportive
One of the best things you can do for your loved one with hearing loss is to be supportive. When your loved one has a network of friends and family who care about them, they will have the support they need to stay socially active, have meaningful conversations, and maintain their quality of life.
You can also support your loved ones by encouraging them to wear hearing aids. These devices can make a world of difference, making it easier for your loved one to communicate. Offer to go with them to a hearing test or help them pick out their next hearing aids.