How to Recognize Hearing Loss in Loved Ones
Recognizing difficulties with hearing
Hearing changes don’t usually happen overnight. Instead, they tend to appear gradually, often first noticed by partners, children, friends, or coworkers who pick up on subtle shifts in everyday conversations.
If you’re finding that you need to repeat yourself more often, or the TV volume
keeps creeping higher than usual, you may be wondering whether a loved one’s
hearing isn’t quite as sharp as it once was.
Leaving changes in hearing unaddressed can
have long-term impacts2, so it’s empowering to get early support.
In fact, research shows that hearing aids improve social, emotional and
physical well-being in people with hearing loss, enhancing overall quality of
life3. That’s why it’s important to recognize
the common signs of hearing loss.
What are the common signs of hearing loss?
Difficulty understanding others, frequently asking for information to be repeated, and turning up the volume on devices are some of the most common signs of hearing loss. Unlike a cast on a broken bone or bandaged wound, signs of hearing loss are less obvious4. If you’re concerned that someone you care about may have hearing challenges, take note of these signs to offer support.
Difficulty understanding others due to listening fatigue
Listening fatigue happens when people with hearing loss use extra mental energy to follow conversations, especially in noisy settings. This constant effort can leave them feeling tired, stressed, or withdrawn.1
Frequently asking for information to be repeated
"Could you say that again, please?" Are you often being asked to repeat yourself? The need to have information repeated could be a clue that someone’s hearing has changed1. Supporting your loved one through these changes can make conversations easier and more enjoyable for both of you.
Turning up the volume on devices
Is your partner’s favourite TV show so loud you feel compelled to turn it down? They may be turning up the volume because hearing difficulties make it harder to catch important dialogue. Encouraging a hearing check can help everyone enjoy shared moments again.
Difficulty hearing on the phone
You may find phone calls with your loved one are becoming more challenging. Without visual cues like lip reading or facial expressions, it’s harder for them to follow the conversation, especially with lower sound quality. Background noise can make it even more difficult to hear and understand. Offering patience and support during calls can help your loved one feel more included.
Trouble hearing across the home
Your loved one may no longer hear you when you call out from another room. You might find yourself needing to move closer or speak more clearly to help bridge these gaps and maintain connection.
Difficulty following group conversation
Background noise can make it harder for anyone to follow a conversation, but when a friend or loved one has trouble keeping up with conversations in a group, it’s a great time to encourage a hearing health check. Group settings can become more enjoyable with the right support and solutions.
Withdrawal from social situations and conversations
Missing out on what’s being said and feeling challenged in everyday situations can sometimes result in people with hearing difficulties feeling frustrated, embarrassed, fatigued, or withdrawn.1
Sometimes, your loved one may choose not to attend social gatherings in places with background noise, such as restaurants or parties.
Factors causing hearing loss
As we age, there are several changes that occur to our hearing, from the inner
ear, middle ear and along the nerve pathways to the brain.
Long-term noise exposure, tinnitus, earwax build-up and other health conditions can also
play a role in changes to your loved one’s hearing health.
Providing support to someone with hearing loss
Book a complimentary hearing test with HearCANADA. We’re here to help your loved one find a solution that will keep them confidently connected every step of the way.
Sources:
1. Hear Canada. Is it getting harder to hear? https://www.hearcanada.com/blog/2025-05-is-it-getting-harder-to-hear/
2. Bloom Hearing. Hearing Loss Symptoms. https://www.bloomhearing.com.au/hearing-loss/symptoms/
3. Hearing Review. Kochkin, S. and Rogin, C.M., 2000. Quantifying the obvious: The impact of hearing instruments on quality of life. Hearing Review https://hearingreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/KochkinRogin_QuantifyingObvious_0100HR.pdf
American Academy of Audiology. A Systematic Review of Health-Related Quality of Life and Hearing Aids: Final Report of the American Academy of Audiology Task Force on the Health-Related Quality of Life Benefits of Amplification in Adults
https://www.audiology.org/practice-guideline/a-systematic-review-of-health-related-quality-of-life-and-hearing-aids-final-report-of-the-american-academy-of-audiology-task-force-on-the-health-related-quality-of-life-benefits-of-amplification-in/
American Academy of Audiology. Untreated Hearing Loss Linked to Depression, Social Isolation in Seniors
https://www.audiology.org/practice-guideline/untreated-hearing-loss-linked-to-depression-social-isolation-in-seniors/
4. HearUSA: Be on the lookout: Signs of hearing loss: https://www.hearusa.com/hearing-loss/signs/
5. National Institute on Aging: Hearing Loss: A Common Problem for Older Adults: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults
