It’s a common first response – denial. Surely, my loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as advanced as it seems. She’s too young to require a hearing aid.
Perhaps, it’s become a joke between both of you. She is always requesting that you repeat what you said. You laugh about it as if it’s just a game. But this game is getting old fast. You question whether she’s just disregarding you or if she might actually be having some legit hearing trouble.
You want your loved one to have a healthy, energetic, and joyful life for many years so it’s likely time to be encouraging and help them find the correct help.
If someone you know needs hearing aids they will most likely be exhibiting these 4 common signs.
1. She’s more tired than usual especially when you go out
You may believe it’s just a sign of getting older. Your loved one just doesn’t have as much energy as they used to. You try to relate when she says that she’s not going out tonight.
Then she begins skipping meetings with a hobby group, organization, or club that she’s always enjoyed, even when they get together virtually, and you start to recognize something may be wrong. Your loved one’s energy seems to be depleted by loud settings. If there is lots of background noise, or if more than one conversation is happening simultaneously, this is especially true.
People who are straining to hear put excess energy toward understanding people around them. They often have to draw this energy from other brain functions like memory, talking, and moving.
Utilizing this additional brainpower doesn’t strengthen the brain; it just tires it out. Your loved one will frequently seem to shut down with fatigue in social settings.
If you aren’t personally experiencing the same thing, don’t presume you can relate to what she’s dealing with. It could be a mix of things. In order to get to the root of the problem, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing test.
2. She watches the TV LOUD
Frequently, you will identify this symptom first. Whenever they listen to music or watch TV, they crank it up really loud.
You walk into the room, and it sounds like you’ve just entered a movie theater. You feel like you should make some popcorn, but it’s just your loved one blowing your ears out with the TV. Your neighbors can even hear it.
When you suggest that the TV is too loud, she might laugh and lower the volume. But it turns out, she turned on closed captions.
Perhaps she’s embarrassed about it. It’s probably time for you to suggest a hearing assessment if this is a frequent thing.
3. She often needs people to repeat what they said
If you’re in a really loud environment like a concert or movie theater or she’s really focused on a movie, then it might be nothing. If it’s happening more often than that, be aware.
Furthermore, if she’s straining to hear phone calls you should pay attention.
Is she always aggravated because she thinks people are talking too low or mumbling? Does she regularly need people to repeat what they said? If so, it’s time to have that loving discussion about how much more enjoyable life is with hearing aids.
4. Your relationship is feeling strained
Researchers have revealed that couples, where one has hearing loss, have around 50% more arguments. These quarrels may center around TV volume, misunderstandings, or what one claims the other person may or may not have said.
In general, there’s just more tension in a household when someone can’t hear. They get frustrated about their hearing loss. And their refusal to get help is stressful to others. This leads to lots of hurt feelings and decisions to spend more time apart and alone.
Many couples don’t realize that hearing loss is the trigger, and this can harm their relationship irreparably. It’s important to get the proper help because even moderate hearing loss can strain relationships.
The simple act of getting a hearing exam can give you a totally new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re dealing with a spouse, sister, or dear friend. Encourage your loved one to call for an appointment.
People who discover they need hearing aids and use them say they’d never go back. As a matter of fact, they regret they waited so long to get them in the first place. They feel healthier, happier, and more active.
It isn’t an easy talk to have. But the challenge of this conversation is worth it when your loved one finally gets the help they need.
Need more helpful ideas about how to handle your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us right away!
