A Guide to Talking With Loved Ones About Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be a sensitive subject. No one wants to feel like they’re being criticized or told that something is wrong with them. For some, they may even feel that there is a stigma attached to hearing loss. We’re here to help explain how you can bring up hearing concerns compassionately with a loved one and help them reconnect, feel safer, and get the services they may need.  

Recognize the Signs First 

Before you start the conversation, it helps to be sure you’re really seeing hearing challenges and it’s not just simple miscommunication. Some common signs of changes in hearing that may indicate hearing loss include: 

  • Frequently asking people to repeat themselves 

  • Turning up the TV, radio, or phone volume much louder than others like it 

  • Difficulty following conversations in noisy settings 

  • Seeming quieter in group discussions or withdrawing socially 

Noticing these signs gives you a solid foundation for sharing your concerns without speculating or assuming. 

Pick the Right Moment and Setting 

How you bring up hearing loss is just as important as what you say. Choosing a calm, low-stress time helps. For example: 

  • A quiet evening at home, when you’re both relaxed 

  • Avoid times when they’re tired, stressed, or distracted 

  • Make sure it’s private, just the two of you, so as not to make them feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or defensive in front of others. 

Look for somewhere with good lighting and minimal background noise so both of you can communicate clearly. 

Talk With Them, Not At Them 

Approach with empathy and collaboration. This conversation can feel personal, so framing matters. Some pointers: 

  • Use “I” statements: “I’ve noticed that sometimes you have trouble hearing me in restaurants and ask me to repeat myself” rather than “You never hear me.”  

  • Don’t use “You” statements: “You’re always asking me to repeat myself”. These types of statements can come off as aggressive, making your loved one less receptive to the intent behind your words.  

  • Offer examples gently, mentioning the specific times you noticed them asking you to repeat yourself, or when the volume gets very high. 

  • Listen to how they feel. They may already suspect a problem, or feel frustrated, embarrassed, or defensive. Let them share. Show compassion and empathy for their feelings. 

Share What You Know & Dispel Myths 

Hearing loss brings a lot of worries from costs, to looks, complexity, or even just feeling old. Having some facts at hand can reduce fears and misconceptions: 

  • Hearing loss is very common as people age; younger people are sometimes affected too.  Hearing loss is the 3rd most common chronic physical condition in the U.S. 

  • Modern hearing aids are smaller, more discreet, and more technologically advanced than ever.  

  • Getting help early often improves outcomes. Communication improves, social connection returns, and engaging in conversations happens more naturally. 

Be Supportive & Offer Help 

Make it clear they don’t have to go through this alone. You can: 

  • Help research local audiologists, such as HEAR Wisconsin 

  • Offer to accompany them to a hearing evaluation 

  • Help explore hearing aid or assistive device options 

  • Be patient, change takes time 

  • Encouragement and understanding go a long way.  

Focus on the Benefits, Not the Problem 

Rather than dwelling on what’s hard, highlight what could be gained: 

  • Easier conversations with family and friends 

  • Less fatigue from straining to hear 

  • Greater safety (hearing alarms, calls, warnings) 

  • More enjoyment of daily sounds like listening to the birds, music, and laughter around you 

What HEAR Wisconsin Can Do 

At HEAR Wisconsin, our Doctors of Audiology are here to help when your loved one is ready. We provide compassionate, comprehensive hearing evaluations, and individualized recommendations. Whether it’s for hearing aids, counseling, assistive listening devices, or education, you don’t have to navigate this alone. 

Contact HEAR Wisconsin’s Audiology Clinic at 414-604-7219 to learn more about hearing evaluations, modern hearing solutions, and how we can support both you and your loved one. 

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