How to Support an Elderly Relative with Their Hearing Issues

Saturday, October 10, 2020

 

As we get older, hearing loss problems become more common and more problematic. If you have an elderly relative suffering with their hearing, it’s important that you find the right way to support them. Doing so isn’t always easy, but it can be done when you put in the effort and try to put their needs first. Here are some tips that’ll serve you well as you try to support your relative better.

Help Them Get to the Bottom of the Issue

Getting to the bottom of your elderly relative’s hearing issues is one of the first things you need to do. Maybe they’re not sure what to do or who to turn to in order to find out what’s wrong. If that’s the case, you need to be there to guide them and help them explore the various options. Things will only get better when they find out what’s really wrong.

Be Understanding and Patient


Being understanding and having some patience with them as they deal with these hearing issues is something that’s really important. The last thing they need is impatience or people making them feel like they’re causing problems through something that they have no control over. So don’t be the person who makes them feel this way.

Think About What You Can Do to Make Communication Easier

Thinking about what you can do to deal with communication problems better is something you should definitely think about. They’re going to struggle to communicate well if they can’t hear what people are saying. So adapting the way in which you communicate could be just what they need right now. Developing those strategies will depend on the situation that your relative is dealing with and what they find easiest, so talk to them about that.

Attend Appointments with Them

If your relative has an appointment with a hearing specialist, as they surely should, you should be sure to attend those appointments with them. By doing so, you’ll be able to ensure they’re supported and don’t have to go through the whole process alone, which can be tough. Encourage them to get the support they need too if they’re hesitant to do so.

Try to Avoid Codependency Developing

One thing to keep in mind is that codependency can become a problem when you’re helping someone deal with their hearing issues. You don’t want them to rely on you or to create a situation where you essentially replace the hearing of the person that you’re trying to help. Sure, adapt to their needs and help them get to the bottom of what they’re experiencing.

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If your elderly relative is struggling with their hearing, it’s important to support them in any way you can. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine how you might want to be treated if you were suffering a similar problem. They’ll appreciate the effort, and life will be easier for both of you if you do.



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