Worried About a Loved One's Hearing? A Gentle Guide for Lancaster Families

Hearing loss usually creeps in so gradually that the person living with it is often the last to notice. It's far more common for a husband, wife, son or daughter to spot the signs first. If that's you, and you're not quite sure what to do about it, this guide is for you.

At Tailored Hearing we're a family-owned practice, and family members join appointments at our St Leonard's Gate clinic all the time. Here's what to look out for, how to bring it up kindly, and what happens if your loved one decides to come and see us.

Signs you might notice

Everyone mishears now and then. It's worth paying attention when you notice a pattern, such as:

• the TV or radio being turned up louder than everyone else would like
• asking people to repeat themselves, or saying "pardon?" more often
• missing parts of conversations at family meals, particularly when several people are talking
• finding busy cafés, pubs or restaurants hard work, and preferring to stay home
• saying that other people "mumble"
• answering a slightly different question from the one that was asked
• avoiding phone calls, or handing the phone to someone else
• seeming tired or withdrawn after social occasions

None of these proves there's a problem. Sometimes the cause is something as simple as a build-up of ear wax. But if a few of them sound familiar, a hearing assessment will give you both a clear answer.

Why it can be hard to talk about

It's very common for people to brush off hearing concerns at first. Hearing changes slowly, so people adapt without realising. Some worry that hearing aids will make them look older. Others simply don't want a fuss.

Keeping that in mind can help you approach the subject with patience rather than frustration.

How to raise it kindly

There's no perfect script, but these ideas tend to help:

• Pick a quiet, relaxed moment. Not in the middle of a noisy family gathering, and not straight after a misunderstanding.
• Talk about specific situations. "I've noticed you're finding it hard to follow the conversation at Sunday lunch" lands better than "you're going deaf."
• Speak from your own point of view. "I miss our chats on the phone" is gentler than "you never hear me."
• Focus on what matters to them. Hearing the grandchildren, enjoying a favourite programme, or keeping up with friends at the club.
• Offer to come along. Many people find an appointment far less daunting with someone they trust beside them.
• Be patient. It can take a few conversations. Pushing too hard can make someone dig their heels in.

Making conversation easier in the meantime

While they're thinking it over, a few small habits can make everyday conversation easier for everyone:

• get their attention before you start speaking
• face them, so they can see your expressions and lip movements
• turn down background noise, such as the TV or radio
• speak clearly at a natural pace, without shouting
• if something isn't understood, try saying it a different way rather than repeating the same words louder

What happens at a hearing assessment with us

We like to take the worry out of the first visit. Your loved one will get a warm welcome and a cup of tea or coffee, and you're very welcome to sit in with them.

The assessment checks their hearing across the range of pitches that matter in daily life, and includes speech tests in both quiet and noisier conditions, so we can see how they cope in real situations. We'll explain the results in plain, everyday language and relate them to the things they actually find difficult.

Then we'll talk honestly about what would help. That might be hearing aids. It might be ear wax removal, or simply keeping an eye on things with another check in a year. There's no sales pressure, and no decisions need to be made on the day.

A few practical details:

• The assessment takes 90 minutes, so nobody is rushed.
• It's currently £45 (normally £95). See our pricing for details.
• No GP referral is needed.
• If your loved one can't get to the clinic, home visits are available.

When to see a GP instead

Please contact your GP, or call NHS 111, if hearing changes suddenly, if one ear is affected along with pain, discharge or dizziness, or if you're worried for any other reason. These need a medical check first.

Family-run hearing care in Lancaster

We're a husband-and-wife team of audiologists, and we treat every patient as if they were part of our own family. Whether your loved one lives in the city centre, in Morecambe, up towards Carnforth or out in the Lune Valley, we'll give them the time, patience and honest advice they deserve.

With the festive season on the way, now is a good time to book, so they can enjoy the family gatherings ahead.

Book a hearing assessment in Lancaster

Call us on 01524 587623 or book online. We're open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm, at 139 St Leonard's Gate, Lancaster LA1 1NL.