Supporting Loved Ones

You’re not the only one adjusting to hearing loss — the people around you are too.

Even if you’re the one experiencing hearing loss, your friends, family, and coworkers feel it too. It can be frustrating, confusing, or even isolating for them — just like it is for you. But the good news is: with a little effort from everyone, communication can get easier.

Most people want to help — they just don’t know how. This page shares strategies that work both ways: for speakers (the people talking to you), and for you (the person doing the listening).

How Others Might Be Feeling

Hearing loss affects relationships — and that’s normal.

When communication breaks down, people on both sides can feel a lot of things. If your partner, kids, friends, or coworkers seem short-tempered or distant, it might be because they’re having their own reaction to the changes. Some common emotions include:

Frustration or irritation
Embarrassment
Feeling burdened or left out
Guilt or helplessness
Loneliness or disconnection
Confusion about what to do

These are natural responses — but they don’t have to stay that way. Clear, kind communication can ease tension and rebuild confidence on both sides.

Man hiding in shirt because of frustration

The 3 Keys to Better Hearing

Every communication tip starts with these three basics:

Reduce distance
Reduce noise
Improve lighting

If you remember nothing else, remember this trio. It applies to every situation — whether you’re at home, at dinner, or in a meeting.

Tips for People Talking to You

Small changes can make a big difference.

If someone wants to help you understand them better, these are the top things they can do:

Get your attention first – Say your name or make eye contact before speaking. Eyes before ears!
Face you in good lighting – Avoid backlighting. Make sure light shines on their face.
Keep their mouth visible – No covering their face, chewing, or mumbling.
Speak clearly, not louder – Shouting doesn’t help. A calm, steady voice is best.
Give clues when changing topics – Say things like “New subject” or “On another note…”
Rephrase instead of repeating – Sometimes different words are easier to catch.
Be expressive – A little animation helps make meaning clearer.
Avoid noisy settings – Turn off background TV, music, or fans.
Stay in the same room – Being 3–5 feet apart makes hearing easier.
Be patient and relaxed – Kindness and calmness go a long way.

You can share these tips with others — they’ll likely be glad to have the guidance.

Tips for You, the Listener

Hearing well takes effort — and practice.

The best results come when you play an active role in communication. These strategies can help you stay confident and connected:

Scan the environment – Look for good lighting, quiet spots, and face-to-face seating.
Tell people how to talk to you – Be specific. “Please slow down a bit” is more helpful than “I can’t hear you.”
Don’t pretend to understand – Bluffing leads to confusion. Be honest and ask for clarity.
Take breaks – Long meetings or noisy settings can be draining. Pause and reset.
Focus on the big picture – You don’t need every single word. Aim to follow the main idea.
Use helpful tools – Try remote mics or phone features that support hearing.
Do the listening yourself – Let your loved ones support you, but don’t rely on them to interpret.
Model good habits – Speak face-to-face, make eye contact, and use the same tips you ask others to follow.
Pick the right seat – In a restaurant, sit with your back to a wall. Booths work best.

Strengthen Your Listening Skills

Hearing loss means listening differently — not less.

You’ll pick up on more when you learn to notice tone, body language, and context. Get to know how different people express themselves — their facial expressions, pacing, and gestures all add meaning.

Other ways to stay sharp:

Keep up with current events so you can follow group conversations more easily
Use auditory training apps to help distinguish speech from noise
Watch YouTube videos to learn more about your hearing aids or hearing in general
Improve your home’s acoustics with rugs, curtains, and soft furniture

Build Your Support System

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Hearing loss can feel isolating — but it doesn’t have to be. Many people are going through the same thing you are. Joining an online hearing loss group or even chatting with someone else who wears hearing aids can help you feel seen, supported, and less alone.

The more we talk about hearing needs, the more the world learns to listen.

You Can Do This

Your hearing health is a puzzle — and you can find the pieces that fit.

Acknowledge your hearing loss. Be curious about solutions. Try things, ask questions, and help others help you by offering specific requests. You’re the expert on your experience — and you can build a personal “listening suite” of tools and habits that help you thrive.

Start small. Pay attention. Keep learning.

You’ve got this — and we’re with you.