Getting Help for Your Loved Ones with Hearing Loss

Knowing a loved one is having trouble hearing can be frustrating, especially when holiday gatherings are right around the corner. The good news is there’s still time to get help for family members with hearing loss before the festivities begin. The majority of adults lose their hearing slowly over a long period of time, which may make them unaware of their impairment. Signs of hearing loss include:

• Listening to the television or radio at high volume.
• Continually asking people to repeat themselves.
• Displaying difficulty understanding women and children when they speak.
• Contributing inappropriately to the conversation or answering questions incorrectly.
• Displaying difficulty hearing in noisy environments, such as restaurants or shopping malls.

Children exhibit similar symptoms including:

• Tilting their head to one side when listening.
• Displaying balance issues, especially when trying to sit or stand.
• Failing to be startled by, or turn toward, loud noise.
• Failing to respond when their name is called.
• Exhibiting slow, delayed, or limited speech.
• Watching your lips when you speak.

While it may be tempting to stage an intervention during the family get together this holiday season, opt for a more private conversation instead. Tell parents that children with untreated hearing loss often suffer from isolation and depression due to their inability to communicate effectively with peers and family members. Let adult family members know you’re concerned about their health and safety since their impairment may mean a decreased ability to hear important warning signals such as smoke alarms or railroad crossing warnings.