Skip to main content
Grandfather carrying grandson on the beach

Help your loved ones with hearing loss

It can be challenging when a loved one discovers they are experiencing hearing loss, but it’s important to offer support that works for you, your loved one, and the whole family. Phonak can help you learn ways to empathize with and encourage your loved one throughout their hearing journey.


African daughter hugging her mum indoors at home - Main focus on senior woman face; Shutterstock ID 1963184836; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Empathizing with hearing loss

When an individual experiences hearing loss, they may hear muffled sounds and speech, have to set devices to high volumes, or have difficulty hearing individual consonants or words, especially in noisy environments. This difficulty hearing certain sounds or in certain environments can make communication a challenge. Common signs of hearing loss are:

  • Asking others to speak more slowly, or repeat themselves more frequently
  • A marked inwardness, and a reluctance to take part in conversations
  • Changes in behavior, such as lost interest in social events or dining out
 

The complexities of hearing loss

People often think of hearing loss only as a volume problem, and that simply talking louder is enough to help, but it’s important to understand that hearing loss is a complex condition. 

The best way of being of help is to become aware of hearing loss…take time to ask questions, be kind, and above all else offer as much encouragement as you would like to receive.

Two women walking and talking in Barcelona.
Phil Hilton Living with moderate-to-severe Sensorineural hearing loss
Two women walking and talking in Barcelona.
Middle-aged male's hearing check in a female audiologist's office.

Hearing loss simulator

It can be difficult to imagine what it's like to experience hearing loss, but by exploring our hearing loss simulations, you can begin to better understand what your loved one is going through.

TV-speaker
Dialogue
 
Woman standing indoors with her laptop in hand.

Find a provider

Whether you’re looking for help with hearing loss or want to get set up with hearing aids, we can help you find a hearing care professional near you.

Two female coworkers looking at laptop

Become an ally

Being an ally to people with hearing loss is not just about being supportive of their hearing loss journey, it’s about engaging them in conversations to know how best to support their needs.

 
Children (8-9) with female teacher learning in classroom

Children with hearing loss

Educating yourself about children's hearing care needs can help you make the best decisions for your child’s future. With fifty years of expertise, we’re knowledgeable about pediatric hearing care and work closely with leading hearing care professionals to offer holistic solutions for you and your children.

 
Young female caregiver support grieving suffering mature old woman retiree express empathy compassion.

Encourage treatment

If someone you love or care for is experiencing hearing loss, there are several ways to help them understand their diagnosis and the journey ahead.