What to do if a Family Member has Hearing Loss

Hearing loss often develops very gradually and people don't realize it is happening. Almost always a hearing loss will be noticed by family and friends before the person with the hearing loss becomes aware of it.

Even after people know they have a hearing loss, they may not accept it. People may be embarrassed by the fact they can't hear. Some people associate hearing loss with being old. Some may think that nothing can be done for hearing loss and others may feel it will cost too much to get help.

Family and friends of people with hearing loss often suffer as much as the person with the loss. They learn some rules about dealing with hearing loss, such as:

- Always go into the same room to speak to them. They won't hear from another room.

- Speak very clearly and make sure they are looking at you. People with hearing loss can lip read some and also get information from facial expressions.

- Speak a little loud. People with hearing loss usually need to hear speech a little louder than normal, but not too loud. If it is too loud it will be more difficult to understand.

- Speak slowly. People with hearing loss need more time to process speech.

- Make sure someone is with them in important communication situations, such as conducting business or legal affairs. Misunderstandings can arise from others who don't realize they are dealing with individuals with hearing loss.

Family members of persons with hearing losses may become "hearing aides." They may do what is necessary to cope with the situation, thus allowing persons with hearing loss to live their lives with minimal adjustment. This in itself can become an obstacle to getting help. If the people around them accommodate them, people with hearing losses won't feel the need to seek help. It is like the alcoholic whose family is supportive. The support itself becomes an obstacle to treatment. At some point the family must stop making accommodations and force the persons to take responsibility for their life.

Support for getting a family member to seek help can sometimes be most effective if the problem is presented by someone outside the family who is respected, such as a close friend, a member of the clergy, or their employer. Often their guidance and direction will bring about action.

Once people with hearing loss decide to seek help, family members can be most helpful as facilitators by identifying appropriate medical personnel and hearing health professionals. Sometimes a trip to meet the hearing health professional by a family member to collect information and discuss the situation can be of help. In many cases, there will be no charge for this consultation visit. In most cases, it is advisable for family members to accompany persons with hearing loss on the first visit. The moral support and help in providing information will very likely be needed.

Family members and friends can be the key to obtaining timely help for the person with a hearing loss. Or, they can become a part of the problem itself.