Here’s how to identify and address hearing loss in loved ones.
By Rachel Artsma, Au.D., CCC-A
As the holiday season approaches, families across the country look forward to gathering, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and making memories. These moments are filled with laughter, connection, and delightful conversation, the kinds of interactions that strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
Unfortunately, for many older loved ones, these gatherings can also serve as subtle reminders of a struggle that can often go unnoticed: hearing loss.
Amid the clatter of dishes, overlapping conversations, and festive background music, an older family member who seems unusually quiet, frequently asks others to repeat themselves, or appears detached from the conversation may not be disinterested—they may simply be struggling to hear. The lively, often noisy environment of holiday gatherings can actually make this one of the best opportunities to notice and address the early signs of hearing loss in someone you care about.
Hearing loss is more than just an inconvenience; it can profoundly affect a person’s emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. Untreated hearing loss is often linked to social isolation, depression, mental fatigue, and even cognitive decline, including an increased risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
When someone struggles to keep up with daily conversations, they may begin to withdraw from social situations, not only to avoid embarrassment or the frustration of repeatedly asking others to speak up, but also because the effort required to listen can be mentally exhausting.
The brain works harder to fill in the gaps, relying on speech-reading (lipreading) and context to make sense of words, which can leave a person feeling drained and more likely to step back from social interaction altogether. Over time this withdrawal can lead to feelings of loneliness and frustration, impacting both the person and their relationships with family and friends.
Credit: @krakenimages/Unsplash
Beyond that, on a practical level, hearing loss can make everyday tasks more dangerous. It can, for example, hamper your ability to react and respond to things that someone with healthy hearing likely doesn’t even think about on a daily basis, like hearing an approaching car or a smoke alarm. Untreated hearing loss can make interacting with health professionals a challenge.
During holiday family gatherings, the signs of hearing loss can become especially apparent. You might notice an older relative frequently asking people to repeat themselves, turning the volume on the TV up louder than everyone else prefers, or misunderstanding what’s being said in a group conversation. They may smile and nod along in conversations but later reveal that they didn’t catch key details.
In environments with background noise or group conversations, such as at a family dinner with overlapping conversations, a person with hearing loss may seem withdrawn, choosing to sit quietly rather than join in.
They may also begin speaking louder than necessary, unaware of how their own voice sounds to others. While each of these small cues can be easy to overlook on their own, together they paint a clearer picture of potential hearing loss.
Recognizing these signs is only the first step; addressing them requires a sensitive and compassionate approach. Many people are reluctant to admit they’re having trouble hearing, often because of outdated perceptions or an unfair stigma that still lingers around hearing loss.
But today’s hearing aids are tiny, discreet, and technologically advanced, true marvels of modern hearing innovation that empower people to hear speech crystal clear, connected, confident, and fully engaged in life.
Bringing up hearing loss requires a gentle touch. Rather than saying, “You can’t hear well anymore,” try a more caring approach such as, “I’ve noticed it’s harder to hear when there’s background noise. Have you noticed that too?” or “The TV seems a bit louder lately; maybe it would help to get your hearing checked?”
Framing the conversation around comfort and well-being helps your loved one feel supported rather than judged. Approach the topic with empathy, not pressure. Many people feel frustrated or self-conscious about hearing loss, so your encouragement can make all the difference.
Once that conversation begins, encourage your loved one to speak with a hearing care expert and schedule a hearing test or hearing aid trial with a licensed audiologist. Consider doing an online hearing test together, an initial check that can be done from the comfort of home that can be validated in a hearing care professional’s office.
You could also share how today’s hearing aids are small, discreet, and remarkably advanced, delivering crystal-clear speech understanding, even in noisy environments. Many also feature advanced background noise suppression, long-lasting rechargeable batteries, and seamless Bluetooth connectivity with smartphones for effortless integration with everyday life.
Ultimately, paying attention to the hearing health of your loved ones is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give this holiday season. While it might feel awkward to bring up at first, addressing hearing loss early and encouraging care can make an enormous difference in someone’s long-term happiness and well-being.
Notice the signs, start the conversation with compassion, and guide them toward professional support. By doing so, you’re helping them stay connected to the moments and people that matter most. The holidays are a time for togetherness—and ensuring that everyone can truly hear, share, and enjoy those joyful moments makes the season more special.
Rachel Artsma, Au.D., CCC-A, is a senior audiologist at hear.com, an online provider of hearing aids that also partners with local hearing clinics.
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During holiday family gatherings, the signs of hearing loss can become especially apparent.