Hearing Health Blog

Couple on a date in cafe, holding hands on coffee table having a discussion about hearing loss and how its effecting their relationship. Two cups of coffee and smartphone on wooden table. Love and care concept.

Denial is a typical first response. Of course, my loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as advanced as it seems. She’s not old enough to need a hearing aid.

Perhaps, it’s become a joke between the two of you. She is always requesting that you repeat what you said. You joke about it like it’s simply a game. But this game is getting old quickly. You wonder if she’s simply disregarding you or if she might actually be having some legit hearing trouble.

You want your loved one to have a healthy, active, and joyful life for many years so it’s likely time to be supportive and help them find the appropriate help.

If someone you know needs hearing aids they will probably be exhibiting these 4 prevalent symptoms.

1. She seems exhausted, particularly in public

You might think it’s just an indication of aging. Your loved one used to have much more energy. When she says she isn’t feeling like going out tonight, you try to be patient.

Then she begins missing meetings with a hobby group, organization, or club that she’s always loved, even when they get together virtually, and you start to realize something could be wrong. Your loved one’s energy seems to be exhausted by loud settings. This is particularly true if they’re in a situation where there’s more than one discussion going on, or there’s lots of background noise.

Extra energy is needed to hear and understand what people are saying when somebody is struggling with hearing issues. They often have to draw this energy from other brain functions such as memory, speaking, and moving.

This use of extra energy is actually exhausting the brain not strengthening it. Your loved one will often seem to shut down with exhaustion in social situations.

Don’t presume you understand what she’s dealing with. It could be a combination of things. In order to get to the bottom of the issue, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing assessment.

2. She likes the TV LOUD

This is often one of the first signs that you may notice in another person. They can’t seem to watch TV or listen to music at a normal volume.

You walk into the room, and it sounds like you’ve just walked into a movie theater. You suddenly get the urge to make some popcorn, except you realize that she’s just watching a reality show or documentary at a volume that almost blows your ears out. Your neighbors are even able to hear it.

She may turn it down when you tell her it’s too loud. But actually, she turned closed captions on.

She may not want to admit that she actually can’t hear the TV. If this is occurring a lot, it may be time for you to recommend a hearing assessment.

3. She says, “What?”… a lot

If you’re in a really loud setting like a concert or theater or she’s really concentrated on a movie, then it may be nothing. But you should pay closer attention if this is happening frequently.

Also, if she’s straining to hear phone calls you should pay attention.

Is she complaining about people mumbling or talking low constantly? Does she frequently need people to repeat what they said? If so, it’s time to have that loving conversation about how much better life is with hearing aids.

4. You’re feeling a tension in the relationship

Researchers have revealed that couples, where one has hearing loss, have around 50% more quarrels. They may argue about what one of them did or didn’t say, the volume of the TV, or other misunderstandings.

Overall, there’s just more stress in a household when somebody can’t hear. They get aggravated about their hearing loss. Others get frustrated when they won’t get help. This brings about lots of hurt feelings and decisions to spend more time apart or alone.

This can cause irreversible damage to the relationship and the couple often doesn’t even realize that hearing loss is the reason. It’s important to get the proper help because even moderate hearing loss can strain relationships.

Whether it’s a friend, sibling, or spouse, you can get new perspective on your relationships by simply getting a hearing test. Speak with your loved one about getting their hearing assessed.

People who recognize they need hearing aids and wear them say they’d never go back. As a matter of fact, they regret they didn’t get them sooner. They feel healthier, happier, and more active.

It can be a difficult talk to have. But the challenge of this conversation is worth it when your loved one finally finds the assistance they need.

Need more useful ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us today!

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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.
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