How to Discuss Hearing Loss with Loved Ones this Holiday Season

Family gatherings, group laughter and lasting memories are hallmarks of the holiday season, but some loved ones may feel isolated from social activities because of untreated hearing loss.

Approximately 36 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, but only 20 percent of those who could benefit from treatment seek it, according to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Many times it is a family member who notices another loved one’s hearing loss. The person with hearing loss may tell others that they’re mumbling or they might just “smile and nod” when they’re not sure what’s being said. Those with hearing loss tend to overlook their hearing problems and avoid seeking treatment, which can put a strain on their family and social encounters, said Dr. Lindsay Bondurant, director of the Pennsylvania Ear Institute of Salus University.

“People don’t realize what hearing contributes to their life,” she said. “For many adults, their hearing loss is very gradual and they may not realize it. It often takes several years for someone to first notice that they’re having trouble hearing, and then it takes on average seven years for them to then come in to get a hearing test. So they just live with it for a variety of reasons.”

Hearing loss has a wide range of implications on one’s overall health, and if untreated, can lead to depression, anxiety or even withdrawal from social situations.

“One of the things we see, particularly with adults who have hearing loss, is they stop doing the things they used to love,” Bondurant said. “They may not go to restaurants anymore or church or family dinners, and that’s really sad when you think about their quality of life. These are all the things that make our days worthwhile. It’s terrible to see someone stop doing the things they love. When we can give that back to someone it’s amazing.”

The holidays present a good opportunity to talk to loved ones about their hearing health. Here are three tips on how to talk to your loved ones about hearing loss this holiday season.

• Approach loved ones with kindness and compassion. Never force them or shame them into having a hearing test.
• Focus on the benefits of seeing a professional audiologist. You can explain that simply getting a hearing test can also provide a baseline for where the person’s hearing is so if loss occurs, they understand its significance. An audiologist can also provide tips and strategies to improve communication, which can go a long way toward smoothing out some of the frustration that’s been building up.
• Focus on the benefits hearing assistance could provide if it is needed. Hearing aids are only one aspect of the communication journey; the next step is rejoining the conversations the person has been missing out on – often for years. Hearing aids not only provide the wearer with the ability to hear better, but a greater means of reconnecting with their family, friends and favorite activities.

The Pennsylvania Ear Institute provides comprehensive hearing evaluations and individualized treatment plans for children and adults. Your loved ones can be sure they’re in good hands as our audiologists are experts in diagnosing and treating hearing loss, using some of the latest technology available.