Helping a Loved One Navigate Hearing Loss

Suggesting that a loved one is struggling with their hearing can be met with dismay or denial. This may be because hearing loss often develops gradually enough that they don’t notice the change.

Dr. Philip T. Ho and our team at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center in Los Gatos, California, offer expert specialty care for this sometimes delicate-to-address issue. 

Dr. Ho starts with a comprehensive exam to diagnose the type and level of hearing loss. He then develops a personalized treatment strategy, ranging from removing excess ear wax to addressing age-related changes requiring assistive devices.

Here are our team’s guidelines for successfully managing hearing loss and how to help your loved one navigate the process.

How to help a loved one with hearing loss

Consider these practical tips for helping a loved one who’s struggling to hear:

Present the case

The first step in addressing hearing loss may be helping your loved one recognize the symptoms, including:

• Muffled hearing
• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in settings with loud background noises
• Problems following a telephone conversation
• Increasing the volume on televisions, phones, and other electronic devices

Many individuals also withdraw from social situations or events that interfere with their hearing, ranging from family gatherings at home to screen time with friends to public anniversary celebrations.

This can fuel depression and a sense of isolation. Our Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus team suggests encouraging your loved one to discuss their hearing loss and schedule an exam and hearing test.

Empathize and encourage

Hearing loss is often frustrating and embarrassing, which can lead to irritability and denial. It's essential that you’re empathetic and understanding when your loved one expresses feelings about these changes.

However, we encourage you to remain optimistic about the many professional resources available to help individuals successfully manage hearing loss. Remember, too, that hearing loss is sometimes easily treated with in-office therapy, such as earwax removal or antibiotics for an infection.

Adjust your style

There are ways you can help maintain your loved one’s involvement in social and community events. For instance, you can suggest restaurants with quieter dining areas or movie theaters with closed-captioning services.

Adjust your communication style by speaking clearly and facing your loved one directly when talking, ensuring they can see your lips. Use visual cues, such as hand gestures, to reinforce your message.

Focus on maintaining a calm and pleasant demeanor when repeating or rephrasing a question or comment your loved one missed. Particularly noisy environments may require written notes or voice-to-text devices to ensure your loved one is included in the conversation.

Investigate the technology

Modern hearing aids are small and advanced, making a significant difference in daily communication for individuals with hearing loss. Dr. Ho works closely with academic institutions to ensure you have access to the most innovative and successful technology.

Additionally, we recommend researching different options and learning more about assistive devices such as amplified telephones, closed-captioned services, and other hearing-friendly technology.

Promote consistent care

Encourage routine checkups to ensure any hearing aids or devices are functioning correctly. During follow-up visits, Dr. Ho can also track any changes in hearing and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Call the office or request an appointment online to schedule a visit at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center today.