While hearing loss may seem like a natural part of the aging process, gone untreated, it can lead to devastating consequences like dementia and an increased risk of falls. So what do you do when you suspect that your loved one has untreated hearing loss? Learn to recognize the signs.

There are several ways an individual may be consciously or unconsciously demonstrating signs of hearing loss. However, in many cases, the signs are so subtle that the person with hearing loss might not be aware of it. It can be challenging seeing a family member, friend, or loved one take on everyday activities with more difficulties than you’re used to, so if you’re feeling helpless, frustrated, and even confused or worried about hearing loss, there are ways to help.

Learn how you can recognize some telltale signs of hearing loss, and how to address it with your loved one.

Signs to Look For

For most of us, when we notice someone may not hear as well as they used to its usually in the context of one or a combination of these scenarios:

• Constantly asking others to repeat themselves
• Complaining that others are mumbling or not speaking clearly.
• Difficulty having a conversation or hearing in a noisy environment (e.g. a restaurant, outdoors, etc.)
• Missing words or phrases, often on the phone
• Difficulty hearing children when they talk

Over time, these experiences can become increasingly worrying for you and detrimental to the health of your loved one. Loss of normal hearing can cause difficulty interacting in social settings, so the pressure they may feel in those situations can cause them to retreat and limit social visits. This can lead to loneliness, decrease an individual’s mental acuity, and over extended time, can even lead to more serious health diagnoses such as dementia.

But there are also other, less direct signs that your close friend or family member may be struggling—especially if you see and interact with them frequently.

• They’ve recently had a fall or have been “clumsier” than usual
• They become drained or tired after social interaction
• Turning the TV or radio past normal listening levels (too loud for others)
• Trouble hearing chimes or bells from the door, appliances, or technology

Next Steps

The first step to helping your friend or family member is to have an open and honest conversation with them about their potential hearing loss. Start by ensuring that there are no distractions and you can communicate authentically and unhurried. Remove background noise and speak face to face, clearly but naturally. Note your observations of their behavior and express how much you care for them.

Then, if they agree hearing loss is or could be a possibility, explain how they can seek help. The next step for someone who displays the signs of hearing loss is to visit a hearing care professional who can help diagnose the hearing loss or identify underlying issues of the ear. In a hearing evaluation, the provider will conduct a visual exam, then a series of auditory exams to determine if there is hearing loss, at what volumes, and at what frequencies the loss may occur at. With this information, they can prescribe hearing aids or other treatments to counter the loss.

If your loved one is still reluctant to see a provider, it may be helpful for you to go with them as support, or even have your hearing checked as well. When you prioritize your hearing health, it sets a great example for those around you.

Better Hearing Starts at the MedRx Hearing Center

It’s important to note that while these signs are generally indicative of hearing loss, your friend or family member should visit a hearing care professional to confirm and identify the type of hearing loss they have.

Dr. Amanda Kluzynski at the MedRx Hearing Center can help your loved one get back to doing the things they enjoy by testing for hearing loss and developing a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Kluzynski is a board-certified audiologist specializing in using the latest technology to provide the best hearing aid fit for her patients.

Visit the MedRx Hearing Center with your friend or family member to see how we can help them return to the life they deserve to experience. For first time patients, we even offer a free hearing screening! Give us a call at (727)584-9696 to learn more or to book an appointment today.