Q&A: How Can I Help A Loved One With Hearing Loss?

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‘Tis the season to pay it forward and change a life.

If you’ve been wanting to spread the joy of better hearing to others, to pay it forward, so to speak, we’re making it easy, with 6 inspired ideas for the merry season and beyond.

GET A HEAD START WITH THESE INSPIRING IDEAS

Paying It Forward Means Even More

Q: As someone with firsthand experience tackling hearing loss, how can I help a loved one who’s having hearing difficulty?

A: Kudos for wanting to help lift those around you! If you’ve been treated for hearing loss, you know the difference it can make in your quality of life. So how can you pay it forward if someone you care about has hearing issues? Here are 6 tips you can use.  

1. RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS

Hearing loss prevalence continues to climb, with the World Health Organization estimating it will affect 10% of the population by 2050. But not everyone with hearing difficulties is ready to admit it. Knowing some of the signs of hearing loss – loud TV volumes, trouble talking on the phone, frequent requests to repeat words, increased social isolation – can be the start of a life-changing conversation.  

2. SHARE YOUR STORY

Research indicates hearing aid wearers, on average, waited over a decade after a hearing loss diagnosis before getting their hearing technology. That’s a lot of time potentially missing out on the sounds of life not to mention the physical, mental, social, and even financial consequences tied to untreated hearing loss. Sharing your better-hearing journey may inspire your loved one to kick-start their own.  

3. LEND AN EAR

Seeking hearing help may be a lot easier with the support of family and friends. If your loved one is thinking about taking the path to better hearing, it can make a big difference when you:  

  • Offer emotional support, patience, and encouragement
  • Serve as a sounding board for their hearing-health goals
  • Help them take note of their most challenging listening situations

4. FLEX YOUR SKILLS

Whether streaming from audio devices, connecting to hearing loops, interfacing with smart-home technology, or tracking brain health, today’s modern hearing devices are chock-full of beneficial functions. We love helping patients get the most from their hearing aids, but imparting your own tips, tricks, and favorite apps goes a long way, too. Share your discoveries with a fun “tutorial.”

5. LEARN SIGN LANGUAGE

How about picking up another language sign language! American Sign Language (ASL) is one such form of communication common in the U.S. and Canada, and other types of sign-based languages abound around the world, too. It’s no secret that language builds connections across experiences, abilities, and cultures think of travelers, for example, who make an effort to communicate as the local citizens do so consider learning some key ASL words, phrases, and sentences that you can use.  

6. REMEMBER SELF-CARE

  In the bustle of the season, you might forget to keep your own hearing health at its best. But as friends and family gather near and far, it’s a perfect reason to get your hearing and your hearing technology checked. Not only do adults treated for hearing loss report significant improvements in relationships, mental health, social engagement, and other crucial areas, but their loved ones report improvements, too. So take care of yourself for them and for you. Do your New Year’s goals include better hearing? Whether your loved one needs a hearing evaluation or it’s been a while since your own checkup, our caring team can help. So don’t wait.  Contact us to schedule a personalized appointment today!

Schedule Your Hearing Assessment

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.

To schedule an appointment, refer a patient, or ask a question, call us at (512) 398-4000 or fill out the form below.

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Rose Mary Cruz
Rose Mary Cruz
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Very nice people , professional and very courteous.!!!
Sissy Taylor
Sissy Taylor
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Dr Sandy and her team are wonderful! Always smile and helpful. Great attitude and I am happy to be a patient!
wanda taylor
wanda taylor
1745201580
The staff were friendly and efficient. The audiologist, Sandy Schick was friendly, informative and took her time explaining what was going to happen and then the results. She explained the differences (pros and cons) in the options of hearing aids I had to select from without trying to "sell me" a particular one. I very much appreciated that. The cost was very reasonable.
Frank Wallace
Frank Wallace
1743724471
Great Dr. And Staff. Seen very close to appointment time. Less than 5-10 minute wait.
Travis McDonald
Travis McDonald
1743679332
Great staff. One of the best things I ever did was to select Longhorn Hearing for my hearing aids.
Jeff Skog
Jeff Skog
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Bimmer Audi
Bimmer Audi
1740079518
The staff is courteous and knowledgeable. The audiologist is top-notch. I would recommend this location to anyone.
Jeffrey Withers
Jeffrey Withers
1740068926
Very professional with Texas charm.
ED Greer
ED Greer
1740067954
DR Schick is an excellent audiologist and friendly. I will refer anyone to her who needs help with hearing. Her staff is the same way too.
Mike Vaughan
Mike Vaughan
1738890411
I always have a great experience at Longhorn Hearing. The staff is professional, caring and friendly. The service is outstanding. They have made my hearing aid journey simple, comfortable and complete. I highly recommend Longhorn Hearing.
Jan Holcomb
Jan Holcomb
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a b
a b
1737858967
Absolutely AMAZING experience with Dr. Sandy and the entire staff. After suffering a TBI, I learned I would need hearing aids to assist me “thru life” going forward. Dr. Sandy listened to my concerns, and was able to make suggestions based on my needs. From the moment I stepped in the office to the moment I left my most recent appointment, I have nothing but incredible things to say. So very happy I chose Longhorn Hearing to help me with my hearing aid journey. Thanks so much, Dr. Sandy & team! Heidi B.
Scott Sherwood
Scott Sherwood
1735242275
Great to work with in helping me with my hearing issues.
Prude Llanos
Prude Llanos
1734706131
Dr.Sandy and her team are awesome. Very friendly,down to earth staff.Most professional audiologist I have ever met. Glad to have them in Lockhart.
Brian Baldwin
Brian Baldwin
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Robin Hart
Robin Hart
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Good atmosphere. Got help with the hearing aid that wasn’t working right.
Tom Woodruff
Tom Woodruff
1732563659
Friendly, qualified staff! Dr. Sandy heads up a very good team!
Robert Ogborn
Robert Ogborn
1732222073
Dr Schick and all the staff were very customer friendly and very knowledgeable about all my hearing needs and to the time to explain in detail. Which made it easier to take care of all my needs. Lockhart is lucky to have them in town. I would recommend them to family and friends.
Gary Dickenson
Gary Dickenson
1731665881
Very friendly and professional. Great experience
Carol Hanna
Carol Hanna
1731106150
Puppy ate end of hearing aid and sandy repaired while I cooled my heels. Wow.
Danny Eichholtz
Danny Eichholtz
1729197667
Outstanding care and service with a very friendly staff.
Elizabeth Raxter
Elizabeth Raxter
1728852918
Dr. Schick-Velasquez and her staff are always helpful and professional. I'm very glad we have them in town.
Google User
Google User
1728832861
Great care - won't go anywhere else for our hearing needs.
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