A sudden hearing loss can be devastating, painful and confusing. You suddenly are in a quiet place where you don’t understand but feel aloof, helpless, and those around you don’t know how to help. If a loved one has suddenly lost their hearing, as much as you may not fully understand what’s happening to them, be there for them.
They’ll appreciate your concern, love and availability. As they suddenly have to adapt to a new way of life, be the support system, they need to be courageous and hopeful. How can you do this?
Help a Loved One Who’s Suddenly Lost Hearing
Help Them Understand the Cause and Seek Remedies
An accident, thunderous noise, illness or the use of certain medications can lead to sudden hearing loss in both ears. Wax build-up, ear infection, Meniere’s disease, and a perforated eardrum can lead to hearing loss in one or both ears. Help your loved one seek immediate medical attention to help reverse the damage.
The medical expert will also advise whether they need to wear a hearing aid, which in most cases is the most recommendable option. The hearing aid improves the patient’s ability to hear, making their life go back to normal quickly.
As you seek remedies, you’ll notice your loved one cannot do most things on their own such as driving to the medical facilities, understanding what people are saying or keeping up with a regular schedule. They need you to create a balance that will make their lives more meaningful.
Be Empathetic
It’s scary having to lose your hearing, and when it happens suddenly, it can be devastating. Your loved one may not currently understand what’s happening and the best you can do is make life easier for them. Let them know you care, are there for them, and they can depend on you on anything they need, such as help going to the doctor’s office. Take time to understand their condition and its impact on your loved one’s health.
Encourage them to Make the Needed Changes
Your loved one will be forced to make life-changing decisions, some of which are scary but encourage them to make the reap. They may have to change their profession, learn the sign language or adapt to using hearing aids. Talk to them about the benefits of the change, and make it more convenient.
If they are worried about the cost implication, such as acquiring hearing aids, help them find financing options. Also, help them accept their current health status and assure them of your commitment to helping get the needed healthcare to make their lives more meaningful.
Be patient. It may take some time and professional help before your loved one accepts the sudden hearing loss. Your relative may not even want to let you know about the gravity of the situation because they don’t want to get you worried or concerned, especially if you have other responsibilities.
If it’s a loved one who lives away from you, make sure they are safe, well provided for and living with someone who cares. Your loved one may want to see you often, meaning you might have to move in or make more convenient living arrangements.
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