More Than Just an Accessory

A man wearing glasses and a pair of headphones

Hearing Aids: More Than Just an Accessory- How to Truly Support Someone Who Uses Them

Hearing aids aren’t just tiny devices tucked behind the ear—they’re lifelines to the world. If someone close to you uses them, your support can make all the difference. But let’s go beyond the obvious. Caring for someone with hearing aids isn’t just about reminding them to put them in. It’s about understanding their experience, making life easier, and, let’s be honest, avoiding awkward moments.

1. The Art of Speaking: It’s Not About Volume

Raising your voice isn’t the solution. In fact, it can distort sound and make things worse. The real trick? Speak clearly, face them directly, and don’t rush your words. Bonus points for good lighting—seeing lips and facial expressions helps more than you think.

2. Background Noise: The Invisible Obstacle Course

Restaurants, crowded rooms, or even a blaring TV can turn a simple conversation into a frustrating guessing game. If possible, choose quieter spots and avoid talking over background noise. Even small adjustments—like muting the TV when chatting—can make a huge difference.

3. Tech Support Mode: Master the Basics

Hearing aids aren’t ‘set and forget’ devices. Batteries need changing, settings sometimes need adjusting, and occasional troubleshooting is inevitable. Learning the basics (or at least knowing where to find help) can spare your loved one a lot of frustration.

4. The Battery Mystery: Keeping Them Powered Up

Few things are as inconvenient as a hearing aid dying mid-conversation. Keep spare batteries handy, and if they use rechargeable ones, help them stick to a charging routine. If you hear complaints about muffled sound, a simple battery swap might be the fix.

5. Respect the Sound Breaks

Wearing hearing aids all day can be exhausting. Sometimes, the person may want to take them out for a break, especially in overwhelming environments. If they ask you to repeat something, don’t sigh or roll your eyes—just rephrase, slow down, and be patient.

6. Conversations Matter—Don’t Leave Them Out

Nothing’s worse than feeling invisible in a group. If someone with hearing aids struggles to keep up, don’t ignore them or let the conversation race ahead. Summarizing key points or checking in with them can go a long way in making them feel included.

7. Hearing Aids Are Personal—Respect Boundaries

Resist the urge to grab them, adjust them, or shout instructions like they’re a broken gadget. They’re a part of someone’s daily life, and how they use them is up to them. Offer help, but always ask first.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Supporting someone with hearing aids doesn’t mean overcomplicating things. It’s about small, thoughtful actions—choosing quieter places, facing them when speaking, and staying patient. These little tweaks can completely change their experience, making communication smoother and life a whole lot easier.

So, what’s one simple thing you can do today to make communication easier for someone with hearing aids?