My father-in-law can’t hear very well and won’t have a hearing test or wear hearing aids. What can we as a family do?

Reviewed by:
Published on:
November 11, 2022
Updated on:
August 13, 2026

Trying to help a family member to hear better when they won’t accept they have hearing difficulties can be challenging. It’s important to encourage them to get help to make communication easier for everyone. Be kind and supportive when talking with them about their hearing and recommend a hearing assessment to find out why they do not hear well. It may be as simple as having their ears cleaned.

Our companion article on what to do when a family member can’t hear covers more on this, and if they do decide to try hearing aids, the importance of daily wear is worth reading together. You can also browse the Hearing Aids category page for more.

Up Next
Why do some people need their ears cleaned more regularly than others?
Written by:
How do I know if I've got hearing problems?
Read article
What to Do If You Suddenly Lose Hearing in One Ear
Read article
What is a "free" hearing test vs an Ear360?
Read article
Why is it hard to hear people with accents?
Read article
What is Meniere's Disease?
Read article
Why do I hear my wife/husband/partner better than other people?
Read article
My family member can't hear well. What should I do?
Read article
What benefits are there for treating my hearing loss?
Read article
Is it really such a big deal if I don't treat my hearing loss?
Read article
What is a "free" hearing test vs an Ear360?
Read article
Why do I hear my wife/husband/partner better than other people?
Read article
My father-in-law can’t hear very well and won’t have a hearing test or wear hearing aids. What can we as a family do?
Read article
Is it really such a big deal if I don't treat my hearing loss?
Read article
How Do I Talk to Mum or Dad About Their Hearing Loss?
Read article
Do I lose hearing each year?
Read article
Can Hearing Loss Be Reversed?
Read article
My family member can't hear well. What should I do?
Read article