HealthcareThis Mother’s Day, Let’s Talk About Hearing Health — and Why It Matters More Than You Think

By Dr. Stephanie Jaffe, Doctor of Audiology and Hearing Health Advocate

Moms and grandmothers spend their lives looking after the people they love, often without pausing to look after themselves. It’s no surprise that many of them put their own health on the back burner. A 2024 study found that 78% of mothers prioritize their family’s well-being ahead of their own, and they’re 14% less likely to keep up with routine healthcare compared to single women without children.

One thing that often slips through the cracks? Hearing health.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, now is the perfect time to check in on the women we love and open up a conversation about something that plays a bigger role in their lives than we may realize.

Hearing might not always be at the top of anyone’s to-do list, but it’s a key piece of staying mentally sharp, socially connected, and physically healthy. Good hearing keeps conversations flowing, strengthens family bonds, and helps moms and grandmothers fully enjoy time with their children and grandkids – the moments that make life meaningful.

So, this year, one of the best gifts you can give is to gently notice if they’re having trouble hearing and start an open, supportive conversation about how their hearing, mental health, and overall happiness are all connected.

Signs Your Mom or Grandma Might Be Missing Out

There are a few telltale signs that someone might be struggling to hear. Maybe the TV volume keeps creeping higher and higher, or they prefer to use speakerphone a lot, even for quick chats.

Sometimes the clues are subtler. You might notice them asking someone nearby to repeat what was just said in a group conversation, or they might do fine one-on-one but seem lost in busy, noisy places like restaurants or family gatherings.

When hearing loss goes unchecked, it doesn’t just make it harder to hear – it can quietly chip away at quality of life. People often start pulling back from conversations because it’s exhausting to keep up, and that can lead to feelings of isolation or even depression. They might stop going to activities they used to love, like church, concerts, or family events, simply because it’s too hard to follow along.

How to Help Someone Take the First Step

In my work as an audiologist at HearUSA, I hear the same thing over and over. It’s usually family members who notice the signs first and give their loved one that little nudge to get their hearing checked. Honestly, it’s not easy to recognize hearing loss in ourselves, so having someone else point it out (kindly) can make all the difference.

It’s also easy to shrug it off and chalk it up to “just getting older.” But here’s the thing: encouraging a hearing check isn’t just about hearing better, it’s about feeling more connected, staying engaged, and living life fully.

I’ve seen it firsthand in my own family. While I was in audiology school, I started noticing that my grandmother, who lives in Belgium, would often smile and nod during our conversations, even when it didn’t quite fit what I’d said. Whether I spoke in French or English or asked a simple yes/no question, her response was the same. She was missing out, especially on chats with her great-grandchildren and calls with family overseas.

But once she got hearing aids, everything changed. Now we video chat almost every day, and she’s right back in the thick of things – laughing, telling stories, and fully part of our lives again. It’s been such a gift.

If you’re thinking about how to start the conversation, know that hearing checks are quick, easy, and free at HearUSA locations. And with a 60-day risk-free trial, there’s no pressure, just a chance to see what’s possible.

This Mother’s Day, consider giving the women you love a different kind of gift – one that helps them hear more clearly, connect more deeply, and enjoy every precious moment. Whether it’s for your mom, grandmother, or even yourself, a simple hearing check could be one of the most meaningful things you do.

Because better hearing isn’t just about sound. It’s about stories, laughter, and making sure no memory slips away unheard.