When You Suspect Your Loved One Has a Hearing Loss

By Laurie Nelson, M.S. Audiologist,
Marietta Hearing Center

Often, a person with hearing loss is "the last one to know." Family members, friends and co-workers frequently notice hearing problems before the hearing-impaired person. There are good reasons for this. Hearing loss usually happens gradually, over a period of years, so there is no sudden change in the sensation of hearing. The loss is usually painless and invisible, so there are no obvious signs. Also, a hearing loss may also affect only certain pitches, so speech is loud enough, just not clear enough. In order to communicate, the person with the hearing loss may lip read, read body language and fill-in, based on the context of the conversation. In short, it takes a lot of effort on the part of the hearing-impaired person, which can lead to fatigue and irritability.

Tips On What You Can Do:
1. Suggest a hearing test. Anyone questioning hearing ability should get specific information and professional advise from an audiologist.

2. Don't criticize. Instead, stress that you simply want the person to be able to communicate as well as possible, for the sake of their quality of life.

3. Don't compensate. By talking louder, you're helping the person pretend their isn't a problem. When you do have to speak louder, let the person know you're speaking louder than normal.

4. Call our office to make an appointment or to have their name added to our mailing list for a free patient newsletter. By calling us at 770-427-3033, they can receive our quarterly newsletter free of charge. They will receive information regarding hearing loss, hearing aids and the latest technology. Information and knowledge are valuable tools in the effort to hear as well as possible.