How can I assist a loved one with a hearing problem?
A loved one with hearing problems can pose challenges for an entire family and,
frankly, everyone around them. At the Audiology & Hearing Aid Center we understand what
you may be going through and want to help. Here are some common questions and symptoms
to help you ascertain if your loved one is starting to having hearing difficulties.
Do they seem to have difficulty understanding you?
Often times, hearing loss will be in specific frequencies - so although someone can
hear volume all right, they have difficulty understanding or "picking out"
the words. Do you notice that it is worse in crowded places, like while at a restaurant?
Do you ever find them "cupping their ear" towards you while you are speaking in a
crowded or loud place? This is a good indicator of some specific hearing loss.
Do they sometimes not hear the telephone ring? Do they have trouble hearing the
sound of little children or young ladies?
Do they ever accuse you of mumbling?
This is an interesting symptom - if they think that you are mumbling, it is often a sign that they are
beginning to lose clarity in the midrange of their hearing - right where your voice is. Do you find yourself having
to speak more clearly and articulately to him or her for them to understand? Do they sometimes want you to repeat
what you said even if you say it loudly? It could be that much of their hearing is fine, but that all-important mid range
is beginning to get weak.
Do they play the TV or the radio loudly?
Do you find them playing their radio, television and such more loudly? Do they seem comfortable with volume that you
might find uncomfortably loud? This is a great thing to identify, particularly if they just seem to do this automatically
and the volume is consistently louder than you think it should, or needs to be.
Are they straining to hear?
This is a more subtle symptom and may be more difficult to identify, but do you perceive them straining to hear?
Are they cupping their ear or changing their facial expression as you speak as if they are trying to figure out what is
being said? Do they seem to need to be looking at you to hear more clearly? To they answer you more loudly than
they need to consistently?
Does this sound like him or her?
If any of these questions were a "yes" then your loved one may very well be experiencing the beginning signs of
hearing loss. If so, this may be a touchy subject for them - no one likes to think that a part of their body is not
working 100%, so they may not be open to the idea at first. We Understand. When they are ready, we are both understanding
of their situation as well as experts in placing them at ease and beginning the process of assisting them with their
hearing challenges. If you have any questions, or would like to speak to someone at our office about someone you love
that is having hearing problems, please do not hesitate to call - we are here to help.
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