When Someone Close to You Suffers From Hearing Loss
It can be difficult to watch someone close to you who suffers from hearing loss struggle to hear what is going on around them. Our natural reaction is of course to help them make sense of their world by speaking more loudly, repeating what we say or interpreting the conversation for them in social situations. Unfortunately, this only leads to the person not seeking professional help which simply results in further deterioration of their ability to hear. Depending on the reason for the loss of hearing, more serious medical conditions can also develop which could have been prevented by a simple visit to your local hearing loss specialist or your family physician. It is important to remember that there are several specific things one can do to help encourage those experiencing a loss of hearing such as:
- Going with them to their appointment
- Remind them that hearing loss does not go away and will in fact get worse
- Make sure they understand that hearing loss can also be caused by other medical conditions which only a doctor or hearing specialist can determine
- Encourage them seek help and that hearing loss is not a personal failing
- Let them know how their loss of hearing is affecting their relationship with you and with others in their lives
It is also critical to understand things that one should not do when someone close to you develops difficulty with their hearing. Some of these things include:
- Never intercept phone calls for them
- Do not keep repeating yourself
- Do not translate conversations when in social situations
- Do not raise your voice in order for them to be able to hear you
Although it is important to be supportive and encouraging when a partner, family member or close friend is experiencing any sort of difficulty, it is equally as important to make sure they receive the professional help they need. If untreated or undiagnosed, hearing loss will eventually have a negative affect on the relationships that the person has both in both their personal and professional life. Studies have in fact shown that the vast majority of people who suffer from hearing loss and have been fitted with hearing aids experience a significant improvement in their family and social lives. There is also a noticeable decrease in frustration, anxiety and anger levels in those that seek professional help. Most people that suffer from undiagnosed hearing loss will eventually begin to shy away from family and other social situations which in turn can cause undue stress for them as well as the people around them.
The desire to help those we care about is natural and we strive to do whatever is needed to make them as happy and comfortable as possible. However, it is only through our understanding the difference between what will really help them and those things that will actually add to their denial of the situation. Make sure you know what to do if someone you know suffers from hearing loss and do the things that will encourage them to seek the help they deserve.
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