Blog
Living With Someone With Hearing Loss
Posted: 13/08/2024
Many of us will find ourselves living with a partner or friend with hearing loss. Living mindfully with someone who cannot hear well needs empathy, patience, and effective communication. Because hearing loss tends to be gradual, you may not have thought about how you could make small changes to help them. You may feel frustrated by their inability to hear – which is completely understandable but taking a step back to consider it from another angle can be helpful. For the person who has developed hearing loss this may feel like a life changing moment and a big blow, not to mention a harsh reminder of the passing years. It could even cause low mood or mood swings. Here's some ideas about how you can help them to make the most of their remaining hearing and reduce the impact of hearing loss on your home life.
Effective Communication
Ensure you have your partner’s attention before speaking. A gentle touch or call of their name helps. Face them directly and maintain eye contact to aid lip-reading and connection. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Shouting can distort sounds. If your partner doesn’t understand, try to rephrase rather than repeat. Different wording can be clearer.
Reducing Background Noise
Minimise background noise during conversations. Mute the TV or lower music if you are talking. In social settings, choose quieter venues or sit in less noisy areas to help your partner engage and enjoy interactions.
Utilising Technology
Encourage the use of hearing aids or assistive devices - modern hearing aids are discreet and effective. Ensure advice is sought from a qualified hearing aid audiologist and support procuring the best product for their comfortable price point. Regular hearing reviews should be encouraged to keep pace with changes in hearing needs over time.
Patience and Positivity
Be patient. Miscommunication and frustration will happen, but a positive attitude helps. Remember to celebrate small victories and maintain a sense of humour to lighten the mood.
Shared Activities
Engage in activities that you both enjoy and that support clear communication, like reading together, nature walks, or attending theatre performances with captioning services.
Educate and Advocate
Educate yourself about hearing loss and advocate for your partner’s needs. In social situations, you could subtly ensure others are aware and considerate. An occasional discreet reminder for friends and family to face your partner/friend when speaking and include them in conversations may be needed.
Living mindfully with a partner or friend who has hearing loss is about more than practical adjustments; it’s also about empathy, understanding, and proactive support. Embracing these principles can help to keep a harmonious environment where frustration or angst due hearing loss is minimised and a positive ambience is maintained.
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