And how you can help this Mother’s Day.
By Stephanie Jaffe, Au.D.
Recent data shows mothers and grandmothers often put the needs of their families ahead of their own. A 2024 study found that 78 percent of mothers prioritize their household’s health over their own well-being, and that they are 14 percent less likely to seek preventive medical services compared with single women without children.
Credit: Yuganov Konstantin
As a result, many women unfortunately overlook crucial aspects of their well-being including their hearing health. As we celebrate the moms and grandmothers in our lives this Mother’s Day, it’s the perfect time to start a conversation about a form of healthcare that’s too often forgotten.
The research is concerning, especially when it comes to hearing health. While hearing loss might seem like it’s on the bottom of a long to-do list, it’s extremely important for preserving overall physical and mental health. Being able to hear and communicate strengthens family connections and enables fuller participation in conversations with children and grandchildren that enrich life with meaning.
Give those you love the gift of better hearing by noticing the early signs of hearing loss and starting an open and honest conversation about the connections between hearing health, mental and physical health, as well as overall quality of life.
So how do you know if your mother or grandmother needs to get their hearing checked?
Look for Signs and Symptoms
There are several signs that a family member may be living with a hearing loss and need a nudge to get hearing checked, such as consistently turning the volume up on the television (especially louder than most people like), or using speakerphone more than not during phone conversations.
There are also more nuanced signs. People with unaddressed hearing loss often rely on a “communication partner” in group environments, asking someone close to them to repeat what another family member had said in conversation. Plus, you may notice that they excel in one-on-one conversations but struggle to hear clearly in noisy environments like restaurants.
Unfortunately, untreated hearing loss profoundly impacts quality of life—and notably the quality of relationships. Mothers and grandmothers with untreated hearing loss may start to withdraw from conversation out of frustration or exhaustion, which could lead to depression and social isolation.
They may avoid going to places they previously enjoyed like theaters, family recitals, and religious services. And worst of all, they may feel disconnected from the family they spent their lives raising.
Encouraging Action
As an audiologist, most of my clients say that they were told by family that they needed to get their hearing checked; their loved ones were the catalyst they needed to address their hearing health. And it’s true that noticing hearing loss in someone else might be easier than noticing it in yourself, which is why support is paramount in encouraging self-care for mothers and grandmothers.
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make light of a family member not being able to hear. Their hearing loss can quickly become associated with aging and accepted as a part of life. But doubling down and encouraging them to get checked can make all the difference in preserving their overall health and enhancing quality of life.
Speaking from experience, when I was obtaining my doctorate in audiology, I started noticing some telltale signs of hearing loss when talking to my grandmother. She lives in Belgium and whether I spoke in French or English, or asked a yes/no question or an open ended one, her response was to smile and nod. It was clear she was missing out on valuable quality time with her great-grandchildren, conversations during family gatherings, and phone conversations while she was overseas.
But since being fit with hearing aids, we video chat almost daily. She’s able to really hear our conversations and become invested in our daily lives—no more nodding and smiling without understanding. These hearing aids have given my grandmother her hearing back and the ability to connect with her family.
Getting Tested Is Easy
Whether you’re hesitant about getting your own hearing checked, or nervous about convincing a loved one, checking your hearing is a quick and easy process.
This Mother’s Day, take a moment to prioritize the well-being of your loved ones. Hearing loss may be easy to overlook, but its impact on connection, mental health, and quality of life is profound. Whether it’s your mom, grandmother, or even yourself, encouraging a simple hearing check could be the most meaningful gift you give.
After all, better hearing isn’t just about sound—it’s about strengthening bonds, sharing laughter, and ensuring that no important moment or memory goes unheard.
Stephanie Jaffe, Au.D., is an audiologist with HearUSA, a network of over 360 hearing care centers across the U.S. whose parent company is WS Audiology, based in Denmark.
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