When someone you love begins to struggle with hearing loss, it’s natural to want to help. You may find yourself repeating things or stepping in to manage conversations on their behalf. While these actions come from a place of care, they can sometimes allow the problem to go unaddressed.
Hearing loss is common, with nearly 15% of American adults reporting some trouble hearing. Recognizing the difference between helping and enabling those with hearing loss is an important first step toward encouraging your loved one to manage their hearing loss.
Signs You May Be Enabling Hearing Loss
In many cases, families adapt to a loved one’s hearing loss without realizing it. Over time, these adaptations can slow the person from seeing a hearing specialist because they may not realize their own hearing loss or may not want to see a doctor.
Common signs that you might be enabling include:
- Frequently repeating yourself instead of encouraging a hearing test
- Answering questions or responding for your loved one in conversations
- Turning up the TV or radio to volumes that are uncomfortable for others
- Avoiding social gatherings and trips to restaurants like Water Grill to shield your loved one from communication difficulties
- Downplaying the impact of hearing loss to avoid discussing hearing loss
While these behaviors can make life easier in the short term, they may also contribute to a delay in finding hearing care and even feelings of isolation.
Why Hearing Loss Should Be Addressed
Left untreated, hearing loss can have consequences beyond communication challenges. It can lead to social withdrawal, depression, anxiety and even increased risk of falls and injuries.
By continuing to adjust for your loved one’s hearing loss without addressing it directly, you may be helping them avoid short-term discomfort but procrastinating the symptom management options they need.
Taking action early can help to preserve residual hearing and lead to better outcomes.
Ways to Appropriately Support
Shifting from enabling to supporting can be a delicate process, but it’s necessary for encouraging healthier habits and better hearing care.
Here are some ways to offer support:
- Start a conversation: Gently express your concerns and emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Additionally, you can explain hearing loss is common and many ways to manage hearing loss go unnoticed by others.
- Encourage a hearing test: Offer to schedule a hearing test for them and go with them to their appointment.
- Focus on the positives: Highlight how improved hearing could enhance their relationships, hobbies, safety and daily life.
- Be patient and empathetic: Change can be difficult, especially when it involves acknowledging subjects related to personal health. Offer ongoing encouragement and support without pushing too hard.
By guiding your loved one toward taking control of their hearing health, you are helping them protect their independence and maintain a better quality of life.
More About Hearing Care
If a hearing evaluation reveals hearing loss, hearing aids are powerful tools leading to improved quality of life. Most hearing aids are discreet, highly effective and customizable to different listening environments. They can make conversations easier and reduce the strain of everyday interactions. This can help your loved ones reconnect with activities they enjoy.
It can be easy to let loved ones without hearing loss go without seeking care. However, regular hearing tests are essential for maintaining quality of life for everyone.
To learn more about how to best support a loved one with hearing loss, or to schedule a hearing test for them or yourself, contact San Francisco Audiology today.