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How to broach a tricky subject?

(35 Posts)
MissAdventure Fri 03-May-24 15:01:58

People tend not to be tactful when telling someone they're deaf, so that may be why people react badly. (That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it)

I can't give advice, because for some reason I'm really unreasonable about my hearing loss. blush

loopyloo Fri 03-May-24 15:01:09

That reminds me, I need to look mine out and see if I can get them to work..?

Curlywhirly Fri 03-May-24 14:55:08

I always wondered why people get offended when someone suggests that their hearing is deteriorating. After all when we need glasses, we happily go along to the opticians. I myself have noticed that I now am having difficulty hearing some things, and realise that I must make an appointment to get it sorted, but I'm not the least bit offended if someone mentions it to me, why would I be? It's not something to be ashamed of!

lemsip Fri 03-May-24 14:54:10

I have two friends within a group who I think could do with hearing aids as they clearly miss parts of conversations

Cossy Fri 03-May-24 14:40:57

Grandmabatty

It depends on her personality. My mum drove everybody crazy with her constant repetition if "Pardon?" But got mad if we suggested she needed her hearing checked and ultimately refused to wear hearing aids when it became obvious even to her. I wouldn't suggest to a friend that we get our hearing checked together. I think that's a bit weird! I might get mine checked and talk about it to her, emphasising how easy it was and how it confirmed I had less than perfect hearing.

That’s probably a better solution. I have good friends where I’d be happy to go and have a hearing test with and not think it’s weird at all, but we are all different.

JamesandJon33 Fri 03-May-24 14:28:33

If you find the answer could you please tell me. My DH definitely needs hearing aids but totally ignores the problem. I have to repeat myself constantly. I am either whispering or facing the wrong way.
I hope someone comes up with a good suggestion for you Cabbie21

Grandmabatty Fri 03-May-24 14:21:56

It depends on her personality. My mum drove everybody crazy with her constant repetition if "Pardon?" But got mad if we suggested she needed her hearing checked and ultimately refused to wear hearing aids when it became obvious even to her. I wouldn't suggest to a friend that we get our hearing checked together. I think that's a bit weird! I might get mine checked and talk about it to her, emphasising how easy it was and how it confirmed I had less than perfect hearing.

Joseann Fri 03-May-24 14:21:19

Invite her round to your house to watch a film. If she needs the volume turning up, then there's your cue to point out her hearing loss.

Cossy Fri 03-May-24 14:10:26

You could actually suggest that you both book a hearing test and go together. In that way she won’t feel “single out” or in way embarrassed.

Cabbie21 Fri 03-May-24 14:08:00

I’d appreciate some suggestions for words to broach the topic of hearing loss with a friend. I am sure she would benefit from hearing aids, but I am afraid she will react badly if I suggest the idea. In the group to which we both belong she does not hear the notices. She has no adult children living nearby. I know mine will tell me when I need them!