The Emotional Impact of Hearing Loss on Families – and How to Move Forward Together

This article explores how hearing loss affects relationships and emotional well-being – and what families can do to stay connected, empowered, and supported.

Published 31/10/2025,

Updated 21/01/2026

3 min read

Reviewed by HearCanada editorial team

Hearing loss

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Hearing Loss and Its Impact on Family Life

How Hearing Loss Impacts Mental Health

Emotional Factors for Hearing Loss Families

Help Is Here

Hearing Loss and Its Impact on Family Life

Emotional Side of Hearing Loss for Families

Are you living with someone who has hearing loss? If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed when caring for a loved one with hearing loss, you’re not alone. There’s evidence showing that when a spouse has hearing loss, it can impact the whole family.⁵

Your loved one may sometimes feel left out or miss special moments in conversations, but recognizing these emotions is the first step to supporting each other and staying connected. By understanding and acknowledging these feelings, you empower your family to grow closer and support one another.

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Book a complimentary professional hearing test at your nearest HearCANADA centre today and take the first step toward better hearing.

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How Hearing Loss Impacts Mental Health

Hearing Loss and Emotional Health

It’s important not to discount the emotions your family member is feeling. Hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation and helplessness, which in turn can impact mental health.⁶ This includes:

Anxiety

Research shows that people with hearing loss tend to experience more anxiety.²Your loved one might worry about changes in their hearing or about staying connected in relationships. In social situations, they might feel concerned about missing details or experiencing misunderstandings.

A simple moment of understanding can help your loved one feel supported, not alone

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Cognitive Decline and Dementia

Hearing

loss is associated with cognitive decline in older adults³, raising the risk for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.⁶

When the brain is working harder to interpret the world without sounds, its ability to perform other tasks reduces – and areas of the brain that aren’t stimulated as much may change over time.

Taking action earlier helps your loved one stay more engaged, connected, and active.

Connection and conversation can help keep the mind strong over time.

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Hearing Loss Depression

People with hearing loss are at a higher risk of developing depression⁴. Feeling isolated can take a toll on your loved one’s mental well-being and might contribute to low mood. Staying connected and offering emotional support can make a real difference.

A kind word or shared moment can help your loved one feel connected again.

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Sleep Problems

Hearing loss can impact sleep quality by increasing tinnitus perception, reducing awareness of environmental sounds, and contributing to anxiety or emotional distress.⁷ Addressing hearing health and creating a relaxing environment supports better sleep.

Create a calm space - good hearing health supports better sleep.

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Emotional Factors for Hearing Loss Families

How Hearing Loss Affects Family Relationships

For family members of someone with hearing loss, it can sometimes feel challenging to repeat yourself, help with communication in social settings, or notice your loved one stepping back from activities⁶. Research shows spouses are also at greater risk of mental health problems as a result of the hearing loss.^5.

The good news is that treating hearing loss can have a profound impact on well-being. There are many important reasons for families to prioritize hearing health. Better hearing supports stronger social connections, improved mental health, and can even help at work⁷. By treating hearing loss, you can⁷:

Support long-term hearing health
Encourage better connection with loved ones
Protect mental well-being

To support improved hearing with good communication, try these easy strategies to build stronger relationships⁸ and keep your family connected.

Express care and support

Speak from the heart with compassion and let the person with hearing loss know they have your full support. Motivate them and encourage them to share their experience.

Guide them through their journey

Help your loved one discover their hearing loss – they might not fully comprehend the extent to which it is affecting them or other people.

Create a safe environment

Make sure the conversation takes place in a safe and quiet place. This way your loved one will feel more comfortable expressing themselves.

Avoid blame, be open

Don’t blame your loved one for their hearing loss. They might not realize how much it affects them and you. After listening to them, express your feelings too. Emphasize how it makes you feel when you are not being heard, focusing on connection, not frustration, and using open body language and mindful conversation.

Be mindful of sensitivities

Don’t make fun of your loved one for not hearing everything. Don't criticize them in front of others because they can't hear you. Focus on kindness, and offer private support when needed to help your loved one feel valued.

Keep them involved

Emphasize that you want to include them in every conversation. Remind them that they're important and they should not miss out on social events. Encourage participation and celebrate shared moments.

Help Is Here

Moving Forwards Together for Families With Hearing Loss

If you have hearing loss in the family, it’s important to recognize that hearing loss can have a major impact on physical and mental health.

The first step is opening your loved one’s world to better hearing.

Book your appointment

Find your nearest hearing care centre and schedule an appointment for your partner or loved one today.

Book here

Sources:

1 Journal of Aging and Health: Mental Health and Spouse Support Among Older Couples Living with Sensory Loss. (30 September 2018): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28613091/

Lehane CM, Dammeyer J, Wittich W. Intra- and interpersonal effects of coping on the psychological well-being of adults with sensory loss and their spouses. Disability Rehabilitation. 2019 Apr;41(7):796-807. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1410583.

British Journal of Health Psychology: Couples coping with sensory loss: A dyadic study of the roles of self- and perceived partner acceptance.. 2018 doi: 10.1111/bjhp.12309

2 Bloom Hearing: Hearing Loss and Mental Health: https://www.bloomhearing.com.au/news-and-insights/hearing-loss-and-mental-health/

3 Journal of Aging and Health: Association of Hearing Impairment and Anxiety in Older Adults (2017): https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0898264316634571

Maturitas: Association between speech and high-frequency hearing loss and depression, anxiety and stress in older adults (7 February 2018): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29563040/

4 Journal of Neurology: Hearing loss and cognitive decline in the general population: a prospective cohort study (10 September 2020): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-020-10208-8

Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology: Hearing loss as a risk factor for dementia: A systematic review (April 2017): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28894825/

Nature Aging: Hearing loss promotes Alzheimer’s disease April 2024): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38491290/

5 Maturitas: Association between speech and high-frequency hearing loss and depression, anxiety and stress in older adults (7 February 208): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29563040/

Journal of Psychology and Psychotherapy: Depression and Individuals with Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review (2017): https://www.longdom.org/open-access/depression-and-individuals-with-hearing-loss-a-systematic-review-16622.html

6 HearUSA: You can help make a difference: https://www.hearusa.com/hearing-loss/help-a-loved-one/

7 Bloom Hearing: Why get help: https://www.bloomhearing.com.au/hearing-loss/why-get-help/

8 Bloom Hearing: Living together with hearing loss: https://www.bloomhearing.com.au/news-and-insights/living-with-hearing-loss/

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The Emotional Impact of Hearing Loss on Families – and How to Move Forward Together

Emotional Side of Hearing Loss for Families

Hear Better. Live Better.

Hearing Loss and Emotional Health

Anxiety

Cognitive Decline and Dementia

Hearing Loss Depression

Sleep Problems

How Hearing Loss Affects Family Relationships

Support long-term hearing health

Encourage better connection with loved ones

Protect mental well-being

Express care and support

Guide them through their journey

Create a safe environment

Avoid blame, be open

Be mindful of sensitivities

Keep them involved

Moving Forwards Together for Families With Hearing Loss

Book your appointment

Related articles

5 Ways to Have Better Conversations With Someone Who Has Trouble Hearing

How Does Hearing Loss Affect Your Balance?

Ask a PROFESSIONAL: What Should I Say (and Avoid Saying) to Someone With Hearing Loss?

Talk to a Hearing Care Professional in one of our centres.

Do you have questions or need assistance?

Find a hearing centre near you