Have you noticed that your loved one suddenly has a difficult time hearing or understanding you? Or maybe a friend keeps asking you to repeat what you have said every time you speak?
If you suspect your loved one or friend is dealing with some sort of hearing problem, it may be more severe than you think. Upon noticing the suspected hearing loss symptoms, how do you approach them without being offensive or too forward?
Here are some tips you can do to help a friend out.
This article will tell you:
- The signs of hearing loss you should watch out for
- How to tell someone they might have a hearing problem
- Where you can get diagnosed with hearing loss
Are you or a loved one experiencing hearing loss? Speak with us today about a complimentary hearing assessment session.
Signs of sudden or gradual hearing loss
If you notice two or more symptoms occurring, your friend or family member may be experiencing some form of hearing loss, regularly.
- They hear muffled sounds instead of exact words
- They have a difficult time understanding you, especially in places where there are a lot of people
- They can’t hear consonants
- They keep asking you to speak more slowly or to repeat what you said
- They turn up the volume of music, TV, or a video too loud
- They feel left out when people are talking and socialising
- They avoid crowds and parties
After noticing the signs, it’s time to move to the next step.
How to tell someone they might be suffering from hearing loss
The first thing to consider when approaching someone with hearing loss is the person’s feelings. Make the following approaches for effective communication.
Be calm, relaxed, and understanding.
You shouldn’t approach them aggressively, as that can scare them away. Sit down and have a serious talk with them in a place where they are comfortable enough to speak with you. Only then can you slowly bring up the problem.
Be patient
Not everyone will react well to what you have to say. Be sure to be patient enough to let them understand their hearing problem. If they do get defensive, back off and try another time. Or maybe, approach someone that knows them better to bring it up instead.
Phrase it as a question
If you are not a confrontational person, you can pose the concern as a question. Ask them if they’ve been experiencing a difficult time hearing or listening when talking, and go from there.
Know your place and be respectful
It may seem like common sense, but don’t bring anything up if you and that person aren’t close friends or if you don’t know them. Be sure you are close enough to the person before even approaching them to extend respect, especially if they’re sensitive about the topic.
Getting them diagnosed
If they are responsive to your approach, they may wonder where to get diagnosed.
Be prepared to answer their questions by recommending they get a hearing assessment. These are usually done by an ENT specialist or an audiologist as well. They are equipped to provide an accurate diagnosis with a precise treatment plan.
A professional may suggest getting hearing aids to help with daily life. Check out some of the most popular and best hearing aid brands in the market today:
- Oticon
- Phonak
- Bernation
- Unitron
- Starkey
- GN Resound
If you’re looking for a reliable, at-home hearing assessment service, speak with us at Hearmore UK today. Our service areas include Bristol, Oxford, Lincoln, and Nottingham.
Book an appointment with us today.
