Breaking the Silence: How to Support a Loved One with Hearing Loss
- wehelphearing
- Feb 2
- 4 min read
Updated: May 10
What is it about hearing loss that causes such an adverse reaction in people? Why are people totally fine with glasses when they can’t see, but so resistant to hearing aids when they can’t hear? What is so hard about admitting that you have a hearing loss?
Unfortunately, the answer is not so simple. Hearing loss means different things to different people. For some, it means they’ll have to face judgment for wearing this "ugly" device on their ears. For some, it means accepting that the people they accused of mumbling were never the problem. For some, it means admitting that they’re getting older and less independent.
Everyone has their own reasons why hearing loss feels scary. Your role is to understand what those reasons are, and to be someone who can help ease those fears.
What Hearing Loss Is Actually Like
Hearing loss isn’t just a physical condition; it’s an emotional and social one. Many people with hearing loss feel isolated, frustrated, or even depressed because they struggle to participate in conversations or enjoy activities they once loved. This can lead to withdrawal from social interactions, strained relationships, and diminished confidence.
People who can’t hear well tend to isolate themselves. They feel embarrassed when they have to ask people to repeat themselves, especially when they have to ask multiple times. What many people don’t understand is that volume doesn’t equal clarity. Speaking louder, not clearer, leaves both sides feeling irritated when the words still slip through.
Hearing loss is also very gradual. Most people won’t notice it before their loved ones do. This leads to friction and frustration within their relationships. They are getting frustrated because they think their spouse or child is speaking softly and their loved ones are getting frustrated because they won’t believe them.
You might think that this frustration and friction would actually lead people to be more willing to try hearing aids. Unfortunately, sometimes the emotions and tensions that have been packed into that discussion will cause people to avoid it altogether.
Breaking Down the Stigma of Hearing Aids
While we’ve moved on from the days where hearing aids were these massive cones you’d have to hold up to your ears like some kind of Victorian-era gramophone, people still seem to look at them as a neon sign that signals to everyone else “I’m over the hill”.
I believe that this is the real crux of the stigma and the reason it’s so hard to get anyone to admit that it’s time for hearing aids. It’s almost as if getting hearing aids is the last stop before waving farewell to your youth and checking into old age. The truth is that everyone who ages will experience some amount of hearing loss over time and there is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.
How to Be a Supportive Ally
Your role as a loved one is crucial in helping them overcome the stigma and take steps toward treating their hearing loss. Here are some actionable ways to provide support:
Listen Without Judgment Start by creating a safe space for your loved one to express their feelings. Let them share their fears, frustrations, and concerns without interrupting or dismissing their experiences.
Encourage Professional Help A visit to a hearing instrument specialist or audiologist can provide clarity and reassurance. Offer to accompany them to their appointment if they feel nervous about going alone.
Speak Clearly and Face Them Position yourself within their line of sight so they can read your lips and see your facial expressions. Speak at a steady, natural pace and volume so they can follow along more easily.
Be Patient and Adapt Recognize that adjusting to hearing aids takes time. Offer patience and understanding as your loved one gets used to their new devices.
Positive Reinforcement Compliment their growth and progress as they get acclimated to their hearing aids. Acknowledge their ability to stay with the conversation and recognize that they’ve been more engaged. Don’t make jokes about their age or the size of the hearing aids even in jest, they may not say it but those things have a real impact.
Helping someone come to terms with hearing loss is not always easy, but your support matters more than you probably realize. Just showing up, being patient, and starting the conversation can go a long way. You do not need the perfect words. You just need to be willing to walk through it with them.
If you're ready to help your loved one take the next step, MD Hearing offers affordable over-the-counter hearing aids that you can order online and try risk-free. They have a 45-day trial period, so there’s no pressure at all. Just a chance to see if it helps.
(Want to learn more before you buy? Read our article on how to select the right hearing aid)
A Personal Note
Full transparency — I have a personal and professional relationship with MDHearing and may benefit if you choose to work with them. That said, I’m recommending them because I genuinely believe they offer a great product and great support. I have gladly recommended them to many friends and family because I trust the people who make that company great.
