Age-related hearing loss is one of the most common forms of hearing loss. However, the term is somewhat misleading. This is because people often begin to slowly lose their hearing as early as their 30s or 40s. As a result, about14 percent of adults and most people over the age of 80 suffer from “age-related hearing loss.”

The people around them can notice this relatively easily. They have to repeat what has been said more often. The TV or radio is turned up louder and louder. The person affected withdraws more and more from social situations and will only speak with others one-on-one in a quiet room.

Over time, family members may want to broach the subject with the family member on their own. But what’s the best way to do that without offending their spouse, parent, or grandparent? Many people tend to take even objective criticism personally. Spouses therefore usually remain silent out of consideration and take over phone calls or act as “interpreters” during family gatherings. Excuses like “My husband/wife isn’t feeling well” are also frequently used. While this may work for a while, in the long run, the spouse often ends up shutting themselves off as well. That can’t be the solution.

All family members can help prevent loneliness, frustration, misunderstandings, or unwarranted feelings of guilt. During conversations, distracting background noise can be eliminated—or at least reduced—from the very beginning. And right from the first question, it’s important to listen attentively. People in the conversation can also make an effort to speak slowly and clearly and repeat what has been said on their own initiative if they sense a lack of understanding through eye contact. This often makes the situation easier for the person affected, as it directly prevents them from having to ask for clarification too frequently or in an awkward manner.

Despite everything, a conversation on this topic is unavoidable, especially in cases of progressive hearing loss. Here, too, tact and respect are key, as is signaling understanding and support to the family member from the very beginning. After all, your goal is to help, not to criticize. Once you’ve successfully broached the subject, you can also offer to research the topic together, take an online hearing test, and visit an ENT doctor or hearing aid specialist together. After all, we all know that when we’re not feeling well—whether it’s a health issue or not—it’s always nice to have supportive people by our side.

If your husband, mom, or grandpa needs hearing aids, you can help them overcome their fear and encourage them to try them. But even after the adjustment period, hearing aids don’t automatically solve all problems. It remains important to develop new communication habits and to speak to one another as equals.