15/04/2026
Handy summary of our challenges and what can help.
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One in three adults in the UK is deaf, has hearing loss or tinnitus. So, even if you don’t struggle with hearing in the home yourself, someone you know might.
Deafness and hearing loss affect life in many different ways, and every person’s homelife is unique. Explaining what you can and cannot hear to family and friends is a crucial first step towards making your home environment safer.
1. Prepare and be open with loved ones:
Socialising at home can bring challenges – the more people in a room, the more difficult it can be to follow conversations. However, there are steps you can take to make things easier.
If you’re hosting, try to do as much preparation in advance as possible so that you can focus on the conversations happening around you.
Don’t feel worried about sharing your communication needs with friends and family, for instance, that you need someone to be facing you in a well-lit space. Communication is a two-way process, so both parties need to work together to overcome challenges.
2. Consider a ‘hearing buddy’ and take breaks:
If possible, ask someone to be your ‘hearing buddy’ – if you join a conversation that is in full flow, they can give you the context of what is being talked about. It’s a simple trick that can give you more confidence and support your understanding. Also, consider how technology, like hearing aids or speech-to-text apps, could help you.
Socialising can be tiring and it’s important to be realistic about how long you will enjoy being at an event. One good conversation is still a success, and a fun, manageable couple of hours is better than a difficult, tiring evening.
3. Adapt your environment to support you:
Throughout your home, consider things like lighting, room acoustics and the layout of social spaces. Good lighting can help with lipreading, soft furnishings can reduce echoes and arranging seating in small groups can make it easier to follow conversations.
Using different tools and technologies can also be supportive. Alarm clocks with a vibration pad, portable doorbells, flashing smoke alarms and TV assistive listening devices could all make homelife easier, safer and more enjoyable.
If you’re feeling unsure about what is available, book a ‘Safe and Well’ visit with your local sensory support team.
4. Notice your successes and focus on progress:
Navigating deafness and hearing loss at home can be challenging and affect your confidence and peace of mind. It’s important to remain open to trying new technologies and methods of communicating. By reflecting on what is and isn’t working for you, you can focus on taking positive next steps.
Whatever happens, always remember that you deserve to feel connected to others, confident in your daily activities and enjoy your homelife.
To learn more about how we could support you or your loved one, visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk/Hearinglink
