Ask an Expert: I’m Worried About Mom’s (Or Dad’s) Hearing but I Don’t Know What to Do

Worried about a parent’s hearing but unsure how to raise it? Our hearing care professional shares practical strategies to start the conversation and gently guide them towards support.

Audiologist Daniel Troast

Published 8/25/2026,

Updated 8/25/2026

3 min read

Reviewed by

HearUSA editorial team

Hearing aidsTips and tricks

Key Summary

Gradual hearing loss presents subtle signs often missed by parents. Parental resistance stems from fear and denial, not stubbornness.

Empathetic conversations encourage acceptance of hearing loss and consideration of treatment benefits.

Untreated hearing loss poses social and cognitive risks that family support can mitigate.

Q: What Are the Signs My Mom or Dad Might Have Hearing Loss?

A: Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to miss. The brain quietly adapts, filling in gaps, so the change feels subtle until it isn't. Common early signs include:

Turning the TV up louder than usual
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
Saying "never mind" or withdrawing from conversations
Seeming less engaged, often because they didn’t catch what was said

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Q: What Is Causing My Parents’ Hearing to Decline?

A: The most common cause in older adults is age-related hearing loss (presbyacusis), a normal part of aging. Other factors can accelerate it, including long-term noise exposure, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Hearing loss is a common part of aging, but it can often be managed successfully with the right care.

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Research shows people with diabetes are more than twice as likely to experience hearing loss as those without it¹. Sometimes, one ear compensates for years until both decline, making the problem suddenly obvious. While hearing loss cannot currently be reversed, it can be managed, significantly improving quality of life.

Q: Why Do So Many Parents Resist Talking About Their Hearing?

A: This is a common frustration for adult children. Resistance often stems from denial, or stigma, which is usually fear rather than stubbornness.

Hearing loss is invisible and gradual, making it hard to recognize internally. Add to that the emotional weight of what it represents (loss of independence, aging, or being seen as “less capable”) and it becomes clear why many parents push back^2,3.

They may also genuinely not realize how much they are missing, as the brain fills in blanks, making the loss feel less dramatic. It's often easier to blame others: "People just don't speak clearly."

Hearing loss is often difficult to recognize, making many parents reluctant to talk about it.

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Q: How Do I Bring Up My Parent’s Hearing Loss Without Causing an Argument?

A: Timing and tone are crucial. Remember: this is not a single “big talk”. It is the beginning of an ongoing conversation.

A few helpful principles:

Choose the Right Moment

Not during a frustrating exchange, and never in front of others. A calm, private setting works best.

Lead With “I”, Not “You”

Try: "I've noticed we've been repeating ourselves more lately. How has it been feeling for you?"

Consider Involving Others

If siblings or a trusted family member share the same concern, a gentle, united approach can help your parents feel supported rather than singled out⁴.

Q: What if They Say No or Get Upset?

A: This can happen, and it’s not a failure. By raising it, you have planted a seed. For some people, accepting hearing loss can feel like grief which needs to be processed; they may experience a sense of lost independence or a part of who they are, until they are ready to make changes³.

Patience, empathy, and ongoing support can help a loved one take the first step toward better hearing.

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You cannot force the decision, but you can stay present and supportive when your parent is ready. Keep the door open and be patient. If the moment feels right, gently share what’s at stake: untreated hearing loss is linked to social withdrawal, strained relationships, and a higher risk of cognitive decline including the increased risk of dementia⁵.

Q: How Can I Encourage Mom or Dad to Do a Hearing Test?

A: Suggest an at-home free hearing test just like you would a regular health check-up. Try these ideas:

Start at Home Together
Take the online hearing test side by side; it’s a gentle, no-pressure first step that can open the conversation naturally.
Offer to Go With Them to an In-Person Appointment
This makes a real difference and allows you to share your observations.
Ask for a Referral
Your parent’s general physician can give you a referral to a trusted hearing care professional, if needed.

The most important thing you can do is approach this with empathy, not urgency. Navigating a parent's hearing journey requires patience and understanding. Remember, you're not alone.

Better Hearing Starts Here

When your parent is ready, locate your nearest hearing care center and speak with a hearing care professional. They’ll be able to provide expert guidance and support for the whole family.

Book appointment

Sources:

1 PLOS One: Hearing loss as a function of aging and diabetes mellitus: A cross sectional study (2014): doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0116161

2 Journal of Hearing Science: Denial by patients of hearing loss and their rejection of hearing health care: A review (2018): doi.org/10.17430/906204

3 Ear and Hearing: The self-stigma of hearing loss in adults and older adults: A systematic review (2023): doi.org/10.1097/AUD.0000000000001398

4 International Journal of Audiology: Coping together with hearing loss: A qualitative meta-synthesis of the psychosocial experiences of people with hearing loss and their communication partners (2017): doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2017.1286695

5 International Journal of Audiology: To tell or not to tell? Exploring the social process of stigma for adults with hearing loss and their families: Introduction to the special issue (2025): doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651