Dr. Ava Rhodes, Au.D.
Watching someone you love struggle to hear can be frustrating, especially when communication begins changing the rhythm of everyday life. Maybe conversations are repeated more often. Maybe the television volume keeps getting louder. Perhaps family dinners feel different because someone begins withdrawing or avoiding conversation altogether.
If you have ever found yourself thinking, “Why won’t they just get their hearing checked?” you are certainly not alone.
As an audiologist here in Naples, I often meet family members who are deeply concerned about a loved one’s hearing. What many people do not realize is that hearing loss affects more than the person experiencing it. It can impact relationships, communication, patience, and even emotional connection within families. The encouraging news is that there are ways to help that feel supportive rather than frustrating.
One of the most important things to understand is that hearing loss often happens gradually. Many people do not realize how much they are missing because changes occur slowly over time. Instead of hearing clearly, the brain begins filling in gaps. It may seem like someone is ignoring conversations or not paying attention, when in reality they simply did not hear everything that was said.
For many adults, acknowledging hearing changes can also feel emotional. Hearing loss may bring feelings of aging, embarrassment, frustration, or fear of losing independence. That is why how families approach the conversation matters so much.
One of the biggest mistakes loved ones make is turning hearing concerns into repeated criticism. Statements like, “You never listen,” “You need hearing aids,” or “We are tired of repeating ourselves,” often lead to defensiveness rather than action. Even when those comments come from a place of love, they can feel discouraging.
Instead, try approaching the conversation with empathy and curiosity. Focus on what you are noticing rather than assigning blame. For example, you might say, “I noticed restaurants seem more frustrating lately,” or “I feel like conversations have become harder, and I want to help.” Gentle, caring conversations are often much more effective than pressure or frustration.
There are also simple communication strategies families can use right away to make conversations easier.
First, try getting your loved one’s attention before speaking. Saying their name first or making eye contact can help prepare the brain to focus on speech.
Second, avoid talking from another room. Hearing becomes much harder when people cannot see facial expressions or are trying to understand speech through walls, background noise, or distance.
Speaking clearly is helpful, but shouting usually is not. Many people assume talking louder solves the problem, but shouting can actually distort speech and increase frustration. Slowing down slightly, speaking naturally, and facing the person often improves understanding far more than volume alone.
Background noise also plays a major role. Restaurants, televisions, crowded family gatherings, and multiple conversations happening at once can make communication much harder for someone with hearing loss. Choosing quieter seating areas or reducing competing noise when possible can make conversations feel more enjoyable again.
Patience matters too. Hearing loss can be exhausting. Many people work incredibly hard to follow conversations, often using extra mental energy to piece together words and meaning. What may look like withdrawal or distraction is sometimes simple listening fatigue.
At the same time, families should not ignore signs that hearing changes may be affecting quality of life. If a loved one frequently asks people to repeat themselves, struggles in noisy environments, turns up the television volume, misunderstands conversations, or begins pulling back socially, those may be signs it is time for a hearing evaluation.
One thing I often remind families is that hearing care is not simply about hearing louder. It is about staying connected. Better hearing supports conversations with grandchildren, dinners with friends, church services, favorite hobbies, and everyday moments that bring meaning to life.
Sometimes the hardest step is simply getting started. Offering to attend an appointment together, helping ask questions, or framing the visit as gathering information rather than committing to treatment can help ease anxiety.
If someone you love may be struggling with hearing, you do not have to navigate it alone. At our office, we work closely with patients and families to better understand hearing changes and create solutions that feel comfortable and supportive.
Dr. Ava Rhodes and our team are proud to help families throughout Naples improve communication and stay connected. To schedule an appointment, visit us online at www.AudioNova.com, or call (239) 631-5750. Better hearing can help bring families closer, one conversation at a time.
Dr. Ava Rhodes, Au.D., is a licensed Doctor of Audiology at AudioNova in Naples, Florida. She is passionate about compassionate hearing care, sunshine, and finding the perfect scoop of ice cream in Naples (original vanilla, if you’re wondering).
971 Michigan Ave, Naples, FL 34103
(239) 631-5750
3000 Immokalee Rd #8, Naples, FL 34110
(239) 593-5327