Is Your Loved One Experiencing Hearing Loss? 4 Possible Signs

Is Your Loved One Experiencing Hearing Loss? 4 Possible Signs

Behaviors to look out for, what you can do, and when you should act.

⁠In the United States alone, more than 30 million adults have hearing loss1 and if someone in your life is hearing impaired, you might notice the change before they do.

⁠Below, we share some of the telltale signs that you can watch out for. We also discuss how you might address the issue and why it’s important to take action fast.

1. Are they struggling in conversation?

Perhaps you’ve noticed that your loved one is struggling in conversation. This may be especially noticeable in situations with background noise or when you’re talking on the phone.⁠2. Do they ask you to repeat yourself?

Along the same lines, you might also notice that they ask you to repeat yourself or to speak more slowly, loudly, or clearly. From the perspective of the person with hearing loss, it might even sound like you’re mumbling.

⁠3. Are they isolated or less engaged?

⁠If your loved one is struggling in noisy environments or to carry on conversations, you might notice a pattern of social withdrawal over time. This is a common issue for individuals with hearing loss.

4. Is the volume on the television unusually high?

⁠When watching TV or listening to audio content, your friend or family member might turn the volume up much higher than they did in the past — whether they’re aware of it or not.

How to talk to your loved one

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Because the idea of hearing loss can be distressing — especially when we factor in the stigma that surrounds it — it’s a good idea to approach the conversation with patience.

You might encourage your loved one to speak to their doctor or hearing care professional or broach the topic yourself if you attend their medical appointments.

⁠You might also encourage them to start with an at-home test like our free 3-minute screener but it’s important to remember that while hearing loss can be managed with the right care, it is serious and does require medical assessment.

Why you need to act fast

⁠If you think someone you love is experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to spring into action — especially if it comes on suddenly.

While there are many different causes of hearing loss, some cases are sparked by a viral infection. Occasionally, these issues will resolve on their own but a failure to treat them could result in permanent damage.

⁠Of course, it’s also important to consider that hearing loss with other root causes can come with several long-term impacts that may weigh on the person you love — and the right treatment could improve their quality of life and wellbeing.

References

1. Michels, Thomas C., et al. “Hearing Loss in Adults: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment.” PubMed, vol. 100, no. 2, July 2019, pp. 98–108, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31305044.
2. “Hearing Loss: A Common Problem for Older Adults.” National Institute on Aging, 19 Jan. 2023, www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults#:~:text=People%20with%20hearing%20loss%20may,admit%20they%20have%20trouble%20hearing
3. Health Canada. “Noise and Sound: Hearing Loss and Tinnitus.” Canada.ca, 29 May 2024, www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/noise-your-health/hearing-loss-tinnitus.html.
4. “Hearing Loss - Symptoms and Causes - Mayo Clinic.” Mayo Clinic, 30 Mar. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072.
5. Yadav, A. K., Ahsan, A., and Kumar, V. “Impact of Hearing Aid Usage on Emotional and Social Skills in Persons With Severe to Profound Hearing Loss.” Journal of Audiology & Otology, vol. 27, no. 1, 2023, pp. 10–15. https://doi.org/10.7874/jao.2022.00290.
6. “Caregiver Guidance: Resisting Help for Hearing Loss.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 13 Dec. 2023, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hearing-loss/caregiver-guidance-resisting-help-for-hearing-loss.
7. Cohen, Brandon E., et al. “Viral Causes of Hearing Loss: A Review for Hearing Health Professionals.” Trends in Hearing, vol. 18, 29 Jul. 2014, doi:10.1177/2331216514541361.