The Importance of Supporting Someone with Hearing Loss
When someone you know is diagnosed with hearing loss, it can be difficult for them to adapt to their new life. It can be beneficial if they have someone they can lean on during this time, even just for emotional support. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or coworker, there are plenty of things you can do to help them cope and adapt. We’ve put together a list to help you support someone with hearing loss.
Understand What It’s Like to Live With Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and it can also put a strain on relationships. To help you gain a better understanding of what it’s like for someone to be living with hearing loss, try asking questions about the experience your friend or family member has had, which can help increase your patience as they adapt. You can also take advantage of the latest technology to really sense how someone with hearing loss experiences the world. Multiple websites can simulate a hearing loss, which will help you gain a better understanding.
Advocate for Your Friend or Family Member
The best way to show support for someone you know that has hearing loss is to be an advocate. Often in group situations or noisy environments, people with hearing loss can have a difficult time due to all the background noise. If you know the other people attending the same gathering, you can let them know ahead of time the tips and tricks you have learned. This will help improve communication with the family or friend that has hearing loss. If you are in a situation where you are sitting down with a group of people, offer to sit next to your friend or family member to help fill in any information that may be missed during group conversations.
Tips for Communicating to Someone With Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can negatively affect oral communication, which is essential to all relationships. However, even with hearing loss other forms of communicating, such as gestures and facial expressions, can help convey the meaning in messages. We’ve gathered a few tips to help you communicate:
Do get someone’s attention by tapping them on the shoulder or waving at them
Don’t shout or clap in their face
Do face them while speaking to them
Don’t look away or turn your head while speaking
Do enunciate your words and speak slowly
Don’t talk too fast or loud
Do rephrase what you said if they didn’t hear you the first time
Don’t get frustrated
Do be patient and write things down if they can’t understand you
Remember, showing that you care and want to understand what your family member or friend is going through will be the first step, and they will appreciate it.
If you suspect someone you know is struggling with hearing loss, offer to attend the first appointment with them. Contact us at 864-881-1663 to schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations in Simpsonville, Greer, Travelers Rest, and Greenville.
If you know someone with hearing loss, don’t hesitate to reach out and show support.
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