Recognising Hearing Loss in Relatives

Tips and support for relatives

Hearing loss affects not only the person suffering from it. Family members, friends and the wider circle feel the impact and face the challenge of dealing with this situation. What does it mean when someone close to you suddenly starts to hear less? How does everyday life change? And how can you, as a family member or friend, offer support and help?

Understanding hearing loss: causes and consequences

Hearing loss can have various causes: age-related hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, hearing loss due to infections, noise or even a problem in the inner ear, such as a disorder of the cochlea or the auditory nerve. There are also cases where the middle ear is affected. Doctors or hearing care professionals can determine the exact cause and suggest suitable treatment.

The consequences of hearing loss are varied and depend on the degree of hearing impairment. Communication problems may arise, and the person affected may withdraw from social life. The brain is also affected, as it receives less information through the ears.

How do I recognise hearing loss?

Recognising hearing loss can be a challenge, as the symptoms often develop gradually and are easily overlooked. Here are some common signs that suggest you or someone you know may be hard of hearing.

Constantly asking people to repeat themselves during conversations:

People with hearing loss tend to ask for repetition constantly during a conversation. This is because they have difficulty understanding certain words or sentences. They may also misunderstand words or sentences and respond with something unrelated.

Increased volume when watching TV or listening to the radio:

A significant increase in the volume of the television, radio or music can be an indicator of hearing loss. If you or others in your household notice that the volume is getting louder and louder, this could indicate a hearing problem.

Difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments:

People with hearing loss often find it difficult to understand conversations in noisy environments such as restaurants, cafés or at gatherings. They struggle to distinguish specific voices or sounds from background noise.

Lack of reaction to sounds or noises:

If you or someone around you does not react to loud noises or sounds, this could be a sign of hearing loss. For example, a person with hearing loss might have difficulty hearing an alarm clock, a telephone or a doorbell.

Tips for interacting with people with hearing loss in everyday life

To make interacting with people with hearing loss easier in everyday life, there are a number of strategies that can both improve communication and enhance quality of life:

• Speak slowly and clearly: Try to speak at a natural pace and articulate your words clearly. Whilst it is important to speak loudly enough, shouting is not helpful as it alters the quality of the sound and can make it harder to understand. Instead, try to modulate the tone of your voice to aid understanding.
• Look at the person while speaking: Non-verbal communication plays an important role in the exchange of information. Look directly at the person when you are speaking to them. Facial expressions, body language and lip movements can help the person you are speaking to understand the spoken words better.
• Reduce background noise: Background noise can make it considerably more difficult to understand conversations, particularly for people with hearing loss. Try to make the environment as quiet as possible, for example by turning down the volume of the television or music, or switching them off, whilst you are speaking.
• Be patient and empathetic: It can be frustrating for people with hearing loss when they struggle to follow others or understand what is being said. Show understanding and patience, and reassure them that they can take their time to understand and respond.

Hearing aids and assistive devices

There is also a wide range of aids and technologies available to support people with hearing loss in their daily lives. Hearing aids and other hearing aids can improve the hearing ability of people with hearing loss. There are various types of hearing aids, including implants that are inserted directly into the ear. In some cases, a cochlear implant may also be the solution. A hearing care professional can help you choose the right device.

In addition to hearing aids, there are other aids and adaptations that can make everyday life easier. Consider, for example, special telephones that increase the volume, or TV hearing amplifiers such as the OSKAR from faller audio. The portable TV speaker with unique dialogue amplification was developed specifically for people with hearing loss and helps to make the TV viewing experience more enjoyable and easier to understand.

How can I help as a family member or friend?

Hearing loss in children and adults is a challenge, but with the right support and appropriate aids, those affected can continue to lead a fulfilling life. As a family member or friend, you are part of this support. With understanding, patience and the right tips, you can help make everyday life easier and improve their quality of life. You can:

• Show understanding and patience
• Offer help with choosing hearing aids
• Accompany the person when they go to the doctor or audiologist for a hearing test
• Suggest shared activities where hearing is less important, such as going for walks or painting
• Provide information about hearing aids such as the OSKAR TV hearing amplifier from faller audio