It can be upsetting to see a family member who is suffering from hearing loss. Sometimes, it can be quite clear that your loved one is struggling; they may frequently ask you to repeat what you have said or struggle to follow a conversation. More often than not though, people don’t want to face up to the problem and this is where you need to step in.

So, how can you help a loved one suffering with hearing loss?

One way to help is to be honest but sensitive in your approach. If you try to imply that them not being able to hear properly bothers you, they may simply say that it doesn’t bother them and brush it under the carpet. The best thing to do is try and turn the situation round to them. Tell them that you think they could be suffering with hearing loss and are missing things that are being said. Be positive about the options available in dealing with hearing loss; offer to go with them for a hearing test or have a look into the wide range of hearing aids available.

People with hearing loss typically don’t want to admit that they are struggling. To many, the thought of wearing a hearing aid fills them with dread and some people take losing their hearing as a sign of getting old. Of course, in reality, people develop hearing loss as a result of many things. Sometimes it rightly can be as a result of old age, however hearing loss can also be brought on by many environmental factors. If someone is continuously exposed to loud noise, they may be susceptible to developing hearing loss.

Across the globe, 360 million people are classed as having disabling hearing loss, meaning that their hearing loss affects their ability to live their everyday lives. Around 18,000 of these people employed in the UK suffer from work-related hearing problems, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports. This high figure comes from the fact that those working in noisy environments are exposed to loud noise on a regular basis and it’s this continuous exposure that causes the hearing loss. To protect from hearing damage, workers should be provided with sufficient protection, such as ear defenders. It can be difficult to trace the problem back to a particular place of work but a medical professional can test whether one specific job is to blame, and see how bad the hearing loss is.

If you live with someone that is suffering with hearing loss – no matter how mild or severe – the most important thing is to have empathy and understanding and do your best to help your loved one. Look at them when speaking and talk a bit slower and clearer than normal to help them hear you. You could also cut down on background noise like the TV or radio, and even write things down if that helps.

Following these tips will help dealing with a family member dealing with hearing loss easier for you and them.

If you think a member of your family may be suffering from hearing loss sustained as a result of their work, you may entitled to compensation. You can give us a call on 0800 028 2060 or get in touch with us here for more information.