Staying Connected: Understanding Hearing Changes and Everyday Communication
May is Better Speech and Hearing Month, which makes it a great time to talk about something that impacts everyone’s daily life…hearing!
Changes to our hearing don’t usually happen overnight. It’s often subtle. You might find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often, struggling in busy restaurants, or turning the TV up just a little louder than everyone else prefers. Feeling exhausted after spending time in group settings. It can be frustrating and, at times, a little isolating.
Unfortunately, what we often see is that people adapt around hearing loss rather than address it. Completely understandable, but over time, those small adjustments can lead to bigger challenges with communication, connection, and even confidence in social settings.
The goal here isn’t perfection, but rather it’s awareness, small adjustments, and knowing when to bring in the right support.
Hearing Aids 101
If you or a loved one uses hearing aids, you already know—they can be incredibly helpful, but also potentially cumbersome
A few simple habits can make a big difference in improving their functioning:
Daily: Wipe them down and check for any visible wax or debris
At night: Store them somewhere dry and safe (not the bathroom if you can avoid it—humidity isn’t our friend here)
Weekly: Use a cleaning kit to keep ports and openings clear
One of the most common issues we see? Wax buildup (yuck). It’s simple, but it can completely change how the device performs on a day-to-day basis.
When something feels “off” with the device, such as whistling, muffled sound, or discomfort, don’t just deal with it. Have it addressed. Many issues can be fixed with a quick adjustment from an audiologist. One thing we often see is that people get their hearing aids from the audiologist and then never really go back. In reality, this should be an ongoing relationship. Hearing aids require checkups and adjustments to work well, which means returning to your hearing specialist regularly.
These devices should be supporting you, not frustrating you.
Communication Breakdowns
This is the part that impacts day-to-day life the most.
Hearing challenges don’t just affect what you hear; they also affect how you interact. Conversations can start to feel like work. Social settings can feel exhausting. Sometimes, people withdraw and isolate themselves without even realizing it. Fortunately, there are ways to make this easier for everyone involved.
If you’re the one experiencing hearing changes:
Position matters more than you think—make sure to face the person speaking
Don’t hesitate to guide the conversation- simple phrases to use (“Can we move somewhere quieter?” or “Can you slow down a bit?”)
Double-check important details, especially for appointments, medications, or plans
If you’re supporting someone with hearing loss:
Get their attention before speaking (a name or light touch goes a long way)
Speak clearly, but don’t shout—louder isn’t always clearer
If something isn’t understood, try rephrasing instead of repeating the same words
In social settings:
Choose the environment intentionally (quiet corners, smaller tables, earlier dining hours)
Limit background noise when possible
Be mindful that fatigue is real—listening harder takes more energy than most people realize
Embracing Support
If your hearing is starting to impact conversations, relationships, or daily routines it’s worth getting evaluated. A hearing test is simple and gives you a clear baseline of what’s going on.
This is the piece that tends to get delayed, but remember that a hearing assessment doesn’t automatically mean hearing aids. It means having information to make informed decisions. And like most things regarding our health, the earlier you address it, the more options you have and better chance at living well.
Hearing well is about staying connected to the people and moments that matter most.
Much like any other aspect of health, this isn’t something you have to navigate alone. Audiologists, primary care providers, and even family members all play an important role in making communication easier and more effective.
Small adjustments, whether it’s maintaining a device, choosing a quieter table, or asking someone to repeat something a different way—can make a meaningful difference.
The goal isn’t to hear perfectly. It’s to stay engaged, confident, and connected in your day-to-day life. And that’s always worth the effort.
“To be heard is a form of being seen and to preserve hearing is to preserve connection”
Dina Holland MS, CCC-SLP, CDP