Hearing care in care homes: a guide for families and staff
Hearing problems in care homes are common and often missed. A few simple habits, and regular visits, make a real difference to residents' wellbeing.
Why hearing loss gets missed
Most care home residents have some hearing loss, but it is easy to mistake for confusion, low mood or disinterest. A resident who cannot follow conversation may stop joining in, which can look like a change in their health rather than their hearing.
Earwax is another common hidden problem. It builds up more easily in older people and in hearing aid wearers, and a blocked ear can turn a manageable hearing loss into a serious one.
Simple daily checks
- Is the hearing aid in, switched on and charged or with a working battery?
- Is the dome or tube clean and free of wax?
- Is it in the right ear? Many aids are colour coded, red for right and blue for left.
- Does it whistle? That often means wax or that it is not inserted properly.
- Is the resident facing you, in good light, with background noise turned down?
We see several residents in one visit, Monday to Saturday, across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
How to talk with a resident who has hearing loss
- Get their attention first, and face them at their level.
- Speak clearly and a little slower, without shouting.
- Rephrase rather than repeat if they do not understand.
- Turn off the TV or move somewhere quieter for important conversations.
Arranging hearing care on site
A visiting audiologist can test hearing, remove earwax with microsuction, fit and repair hearing aids, and leave clear notes for the care plan, all without residents leaving the home. Seeing several residents in one visit keeps it simple for staff.
See our care home visits page for how it works.
Frequently asked questions.
A yearly check is sensible, and sooner if staff or family notice a change.
Yes. Microsuction can be done at the bedside, with no water.
Hearing care without the trip out.
Call or WhatsApp us on 07442 499414.
Care home visitsEarwax build-upHearing aid not working?Hearing loss and dementia
Written and clinically reviewed by our HCPC registered audiologists. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your hearing or your ears, book an appointment or speak to your GP.