Living with someone who has hearing loss certainly poses a host of challenges. A loss of hearing can be invisible. We may not realize that our loved one has missed important parts of a conversation while talking in bed or noticed their embarrassment when everyone else laughed at a joke that they didn’t fully hear. Unfortunately, “fake it until you make it” is what many of us do to get through the day.
It can be lonely and isolating to be left out of a conversation. Sitting next to your loved one and acting as an interpreter is not always possible, but your presence and attention can certainly give them an advantage. Your assurance and help with engagement will always be appreciated, and it’s quite nice to have a shoulder to lean on in challenging listening environments.
Situations we take for granted, such as hearing from across a room or through closed doors, are difficult, if not impossible tasks for someone with a hearing loss. We may also fail to consider the importance of taking the time to call out our loved one’s name and getting their full attention beforeblurting out whatever is on our mind. Sometimes, we forget about making eye contact and facing each other before starting a conversation.
If your loved one has trouble hearing, don’t talk louder. Try rephrasing your words to get your idea understood. Volume doesn’t help unless you are mumbling under your breath or whispering.
Slowing down when you speak is another way to improve understanding. Fast talkers pose increased difficulty to anyone with hearing challenges. It is always helpful to take time and pause so that information has time to be processed.
Be patient and be kind, because one day it may be you. Consult an audiologist if you or a loved one has shown signs of hearing loss. We’re always here to help.