Family Guide

Supporting a loved one with hearing loss

When someone in your family has hearing loss, the way you speak and listen can make a huge difference to how included and relaxed they feel. Small changes at home can turn exhausting conversations into enjoyable ones and help your loved one stay connected to the people and activities they care about.

Why your support matters

Hearing loss often appears gradually, so the person may not realise how much they are missing—or may feel worried about admitting it. Gentle, practical support from family is one of the biggest reasons people decide to get their hearing checked and make use of hearing aids or other help.

Spotting the signs

You might notice that your loved one:

• Struggles to follow conversation, especially in groups or noisy places.
• Frequently asks you to repeat or thinks you are “mumbling”.
• Turns the TV or radio up loud compared with others.
• Seems tired or stressed after social events because listening is hard work.

Start the conversation gently

How you raise the topic matters:

• Choose a calm, private moment, not in the middle of a busy or emotional situation.
• Focus on care, not criticism: “I’ve noticed it’s harder to hear people in busy places—how is that feeling for you?”
• Avoid phrases like “You never listen” or jokes at their expense, which can feel hurtful and make them shut down.
• Offer help: “Would you like me to come with you for a hearing check?” rather than “You must get hearing aids.”

Simple communication tips that really help

• Get their attention first: Say their name or gently touch their arm before you start speaking. Don’t start talking from another room or with your back turned.
• Face them and let them see your mouth: Sit or stand where they can clearly see your face and lips. Make sure the lighting is good and avoid sitting with a bright light behind you. Don’t cover your mouth with your hands, hair or clothing, and avoid talking while eating or chewing.
• Keep speech clear and calm: Speak at a normal volume and pace—shouting or over‑slowing can distort speech and feel aggressive. Use short, simple sentences and everyday words. If they don’t understand, say it in a different way rather than repeating the same words over and over.
• Cut down background noise: Turn down or pause TV, music or kitchen noise when talking. In cafés or restaurants, choose quieter corners or booths.

Making home more hearing-friendly

• Switch on subtitles or captions for TV and streaming services.
• Seat your loved one where they can see everyone’s faces, especially at mealtimes or family gatherings.
• In group conversations, encourage “one person speaking at a time” and repeat key points if needed.
• Consider simple assistive devices such as amplified telephones, flashing or vibrating doorbells, and alerting systems for smoke alarms.

Helping them get professional support

Your encouragement can make health services feel less intimidating.

• Suggest a hearing check with the GP or local hearing service if hearing seems to be worsening.
• Offer practical help: book the appointment together, arrange transport, and go with them.
• If hearing aids are fitted, support them while they get used to them—practice conversations in quiet settings and be patient.
• Help with simple maintenance like changing batteries or cleaning.