Hearing loss doesn’t just affect the person who has it. It also affects spouses, family members and friends.

Physically, the inability to hear warning sounds or the voices of dependents could potentially put lives in danger. Even emotionally, the impact can resonate throughout family and social circles — from frustration with repeating things over and over, to sadness at seeing a loved one isolate themselves from the people and activities they enjoy.

Convincing yourself or someone to seek help for hearing loss is not always easy, but it’s the right thing to do.