Signs your parent is losing their hearing, and how to help

The signs to look for

• The TV or radio is much louder than it used to be.
• They often ask people to repeat themselves, or answer a different question.
• They say people mumble, especially grandchildren.
• They struggle on the phone, or avoid calling.
• They withdraw at family gatherings or in restaurants.
• They miss the doorbell or the phone ringing.
• They seem tired or irritable after social events.
• They mention ringing in their ears.

Why they may not notice

Age-related hearing loss starts with high-pitched sounds and develops over years. Voices still sound loud enough, just less clear, so it is easy to blame others for mumbling. Some people do notice but feel embarrassed, or worry that hearing aids will make them seem old.

Raising it kindly

• Pick a calm, quiet moment, not straight after a frustrating conversation.
• Talk about specific situations: "I noticed you missed what the grandchildren said at lunch."
• Focus on what they are missing out on, not on what annoys you.
• Suggest a hearing test, not hearing aids. A test simply gives information.
• Offer to come with them. With us, anyone who comes along can be tested free too.

If getting out is difficult, a home hearing test is often easier. We visit across Birmingham and the West Midlands, evenings and weekends included. See our home hearing tests.