Helping you stay connected across generations
Contributed by James Pocock
02/03/2026 • 3 min read
This World Hearing Day (3 March 2026) Hidden Hearing are shining a light on the powerful connection between healthy hearing and being truly present for the young people in our lives, because good listeners make great role models.
When we can hear clearly, we’re better able to engage, support, and share in the moments that shape childhood and young adulthood.
“Hearing isn’t just about being able to understand what’s being said. It’s about connecting and building relationships with the people who matter most to you,” says Laura Ewen, Head of Audiology at Hidden Hearing. “Young people need adults who are able to truly listen and who are fully engaged and present in conversations. That is the key to connecting across generations.”
“I was struggling to hear my daughter, and I hated asking her to repeat herself. Hidden Hearing took the time to understand my hearing loss needs. I can now hear my daughter more clearly and no longer rely on her raising her voice.” Miv Wathen, Hidden Hearing customer
Listening brings us closer together
Everyday family life is full of moments that matter: from a quiet conversation to a special story from someone you love.
For many people, hearing loss can quietly create a barrier between these moments, making it harder to fully engage and connect.
And since hearing loss often creeps up on us gradually, it can make it difficult to realise how much we’re missing. Plus, if we start to lose part of our hearing, it’s often the higher frequencies we lose first, making it difficult to understand children in particular.
Hidden Hearing customer Lesley Reynolds (pictured above) says, “We have ten grandchildren who we are very close to. One of them, who is six years old, told me I wasn’t listening to her because I was giving her the wrong answers to her questions. It was really upsetting. Since getting help with my hearing, I feel so much closer to my grandchildren. The difference has been life changing.”
Stories like Lesley’s reflect our purpose: helping more people hear better so meaningful relationships can continue to grow.
To mark World Hearing Day 2026, we’re urging adults to spend time with a young loved one – to slow down, be present, and connect through conversation.
We’ve developed a series of questions designed to help you get the conversation started this World Hearing Day, to help you connect across the generations. Try these questions with someone special from a different generation – perhaps a grandchild, nephew or niece – and see just how meaningful the conversation could become!
Good listeners make great role models
We’ve developed a series of questions designed to help you get the conversation started this World Hearing Day, to help you connect across the generations. Try these questions with someone special from a different generation – perhaps a grandchild, nephew or niece – and see just how meaningful the conversation could become!
- What’s something that matters to you right now?
- What’s something that makes you feel proud of yourself at the moment?
- When do you most feel like yourself?
- What helps you relax or recharge when things feel overwhelming?
- What dream or idea haven’t you shared with many people yet?
Taking that first step
A small step can make a real difference. That’s why we encourage adults over 55 – especially parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers – to have their hearing tested regularly.
But anyone having trouble following conversations should seek professional advice earlier to make sure that hearing difficulties don’t become a barrier.
Because hearing changes shouldn’t stand in the way of your relationships.
Young people need adults who can listen and we make sure you can.
You can book your free test online today, just follow the link.
