“What did you say? Nevermind, I am happier not hearing your or knowing.”
That was my then grandfather’s humorous way of dealing with becoming hard of hearing as he was getting older when not hearing my grandmother telling him something.
My Grandfather from years back
As much a hearing loss isn’t by any means a joke for anyone, especially for the elderly, my grandfather chose to try to laugh it off.
But in all seriousness, hearing loss is most definitely not a laughing matter. According to Blue Angels Hearing, hearing loss is not just an ear issue; it’s a quality of life and health issue. Untreated hearing loss in older adults also increases the risks of social isolation and depression.
During the holidays season, families naturally get together more often. Therefore we get to see our older loves ones more, because of this.
If you were to visit with your older relatives and noticed that they were having issues with their hearing, what would you do?
Here are some tips to help for helping those loved ones, who may be experiencing an issue with their hearing…
1. Speak face-to-face.
One of the easiest ways to help your loved one with being able to hear you better is to speak to them face-to-face. Meaning try not to have a conversation across the room or even while being in a completely different room. Because they are already having some issues hearing, it is truly better to be as close in proximity, as possible.
2. Speak slowly, clearly, but don’t shout or whisper either.
When speaking face-to-face, you will want to make sure to speak as clearly as possible. Therefore, try not to mumble or whisper. Also, enunciate words as much as possible. Plus, just as you don’t want to whisper, you also don’t want to shout. As this is counterproductive and can also make your loved one feel worse that you are speaking louder.
3. Keep hands away from your mouth when speaking.
Just as speaking face-to-face and clearly is a huge help, so too is making sure your mouth is unobstructed when you are speaking to your loved one. See having your mouth covered with definitely cause issues even with someone who may not have a hearing issue. So, for one who is experiencing trouble hearing this most definitely will make hearing you when you speak to them hat much more difficult.
4. Try to keep outside/external noise to a minimal.
If it can be helped try to keep other noises to a minimal, as they can most definitely be a distraction, as well as a hindrance for someone who is struggling with their hearing. Therefore, you will want to help keep external noises down if possible.
5. Have them repeat back the important parts of conversation.
While many may balk at this, it helps when conversing with your hearing impaired loved one to have them repeat back important details in your conversation. See if you are wanting to make sure, they did hear the important aspects spoken about, repeating it back is one way of making sure that they indeed did.
6. Write it down if necessary.
When in doubt, write it down. See if there is something that you want to make sure your loved one knows from your visit, writing it down for them is a great way to do so.
7. Have them try out Miracle Ear’s New Online Hearing Test.
If you have any doubts or concerns about your loved one’s hearing, you may want to share Miracle Ear’s New Online Hearing Test. You can even help them take if need be.
There you have it with some suggestions and help for those who may be in need of a little extra help and kindness in the hearing department this holiday season in your life.
But when in doubt, try to be upfront and honest with your loved one about your concerns. Also, be supportive of their feelings as hearing loss can be a cause for becoming or even embarrassment for some.
Do you have family or friends who have hearing loss?
How have you handled or helped them with their hearing loss?
Seana Turner says
Hearing loss is extremely isolating, so anything you can do to address the issue is worth it. My Mother has worn hearing aids for years, and I’m so thankful that she was willing to get them. It makes all the difference.
Janine says
I truly agree, Seana and thank you for sharing a bit about your mom today with me, as well.
Tamara says
My grandmother had it pretty bad – I wrote about Miracle-Ear for her! Kudos to you for shedding light on this.
Janine says
Aw, thank you for saying that and also speaking up on your grandmother’s behalf, as well!! <3
MEREDITH SPIDEL says
Thank you for this! I have hearing loss (true story, at only age 37!), and it’s HARD! I am pursuing hearing aids in the next calendar year, and so appreciate this information and awareness. Thanks, Janine 🙂
Janine says
I am truly happy to pass this info onto and thank you, Meredith for sharing about your own hearing loss here with me today, as well. Hugs <3
William Holland says
So far I’m lucky. I do have a little hearing loss, but nothing that impedes me. Thanks for spreading these tips, and again, Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family.
Janine says
My pleasure in sharing in hopes that it can indeed help anyone who does need a bit of help with their own hearing or their family/friend’s, as well. Merry Christmas once agin to you and your wonderful family, too!! 🙂
Aunt Gloria says
This is such an important issue. I have my hearing checked every year and so far so good. But so many people, mainly seniors, are hard of hearing and missing out on so much. I know hearing aids are expensive, but it is worth the investment to prevent becoming socially isolated. You hit on a very important topic. xxoo
Janine says
Thank Aunt Gloria and just couldn’t agree more with everything you said xoxo <3
Kristen Hewitt says
I need someone in my family to take this test pronto! Really good tips!
Janine says
Thanks Kristen and hope you can try this out for your family member, too now!
Bev says
I have a close family member who seems to be going through this (much to his denial). I am a terrible mumbler, I know I need to work on that (and it will certainly help him). Thanks for the tips!
Janine says
Happy to give some tips and thank you for sharing with me about your close family member, as well Bev.
Jen says
I love what your grandfather would say! Great tips! I had no idea that Miracle Ear had an online test. That is so good to know!
Janine says
Happy to share and I know my grandfather definitely had his moments and this was one of them 😉
Cynthia says
Oh, Lordy. J’s mom is hard of hearing and can’t see very well, either. But, she’s sharp as a tack at 87. That said, family conversations can be difficult with her. We’ve tried a lot of things, and she’s got the Cadillacs of hearing aids, but still.
Ah well…we’re just glad she’s still here with us.
Sending you hugs and I hope you have a FABULOUS Christmas! xo
Janine says
Aw, I agree that just happy to hear that J’s mom is still with you and doing OK otherwise. Merry Christmas to you and your family, as well!! xoxo <3
Nellie says
Thank you so much for talking about this. It is a topic that is rarely discussed and light needed to be shed on this one!
Janine says
Happy to write and share about this very important topic. Thank you Nellie for reading and commenting, too 🙂
Rea says
Such great tips Janine! I think these are very, very important. It’s crucial to make them feel understood while also not undermining their capabilities.
Janine says
Aw, couldn’t agree more, Rea and thank you for weighing in about this, as well 😉