We count on our friends to celebrate life’s milestones, share everyday moments and stand beside us during challenges.
If one of your friends has hearing loss, your support can make a meaningful difference in how they experience the condition.
Why Your Support Matters
The value of strong friendships is backed by research. The American Psychological Association (APA) wrote an article about the physical and mental benefits of having a strong support system.[1] One study stands out as an excellent example of the impact you can have on your friend’s journey.
The study tested whether social support can affect a person’s perception of slants, specifically, the slant of a steep hill. The research revealed that participants accompanied by a friend estimated a hill to be less steep than participants who judged it alone.[2]
Think of your friend’s hearing loss journey as akin to standing at the bottom of a hill. With you by their side, the hill may appear easier to climb. Challenges like following conversations, navigating noisy spaces or adjusting to treatment can feel much easier when a trusted friend is there offering patience and encouragement.
Positive Ways To Support Your Friend
There are many thoughtful ways to be there for a friend with hearing loss. Consider adopting a few of the following practices:
- Be someone they can talk to. If your friend wants to share their feelings, listen with empathy. Whether they’re feeling discouraged after a difficult day or excited about starting treatment, your willingness to listen will remind them that they have support.
- Practice helpful communication habits. Face your friend when speaking, use natural body language and be willing to repeat or rephrase when needed. These simple strategies will make conversations smoother for both of you.
- Plan quiet time together. Your environment can make or break smooth communication. Next time you’re planning an outing, explore quieter options like drinking lattes at Amity Coffee, taking walks around the park or enjoying an early dinner when the restaurant is less likely to be crowded.
- Celebrate progress along the way. Support can also take the form of celebrating milestones. Cheer your friend on when they get their first hearing aids; after all, it’s an exciting time for everybody, not just the person wearing the devices.
Don’t underestimate the positive difference you can have on your friend’s hearing loss journey. If you’re interested in learning more about hearing loss, check out more of our Hearing Wellness Center services or blog pages!
[1] Abrams, Z. (2023, June 1). *The science of friendship*. Monitor on Psychology, 54(4). American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/06/cover-story-science-friendship
[2] Schnall, S., Harber, K. D., Stefanucci, J. K., & Proffitt, D. R. (2008). Social support and the perception of geographical slant. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 44(5), 1246–1255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2008.04.011