When someone you love is going through a hard time, your support can make a mountain of difference. If one of your loved ones just got diagnosed with hearing loss, they may rely on you for emotional or practical support here and there.
The Importance of Supporting Your Loved One
When you get diagnosed with hearing loss, even if you already suspected you had it, it can stir a lot of emotions. Your loved one may feel frustrated that their ears aren’t working as well as they used to, or even angry when they can’t understand others. Offering your support is a great reminder to them that they’re not going through their hearing loss experience alone.
How To Show Your Support
A few ways you can support your loved one include:
- Listening. It’s easy to feel like there’s nothing you can do to help your friend when they’re dealing with a hearing loss diagnosis. But don’t forget about the power of simply listening. Your loved one may want to vent. Try your best to listen without trying to solve their problems.
- Adjust your communication style. Your loved one may ask you to talk louder, face them when speaking, move to a quieter area or do anything else that makes communication easier. Listening to what they need and not assuming you know what’s best will be most helpful.
- Attend their hearing aid appointment. Some research shows that people are more likely to adopt their hearing aids successfully when they bring a loved one to their appointment. You can attend the appointment or even take notes so your loved one can focus on getting to know their new devices.
- Learn about hearing loss. Learning about hearing loss is a great way to help yourself understand what your friend is going through. Check out our blog posts for some quick reading on the subject!
For more information about hearing loss, contact Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy today.
Sources
Ellis, B. K., Singh, G., & Launer, S. (2022). Hearing Aid Adoption is Associated with the Type of Significant Other in Attendance at Hearing Care Appointments. Trends in hearing, 26, 23312165221131703. https://doi.org/10.1177/23312165221131703