Denial is a common first reaction. Of course, my loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as advanced as it seems. She’s too young to need a hearing aid.
Perhaps, it’s become a joke between the two of you. Your loved one constantly asks you to repeat yourself. It’s just a game. You laugh about it. But it’s starting to become less and less humorous. You wonder if she’s simply disregarding you or if she might actually be having some legit hearing trouble.
It’s time to be supportive and make certain your loved one gets the care they need to continue to live a happy, healthy, active lifestyle well into their older age.
If somebody you know needs hearing aids they will probably be showing these 4 prevalent signs.
1. She seems exhausted, especially in public
You might believe it’s just a sign of getting older. Your loved one used to have a lot more energy. When she says she just doesn’t feel like going out tonight, you try to be patient.
Then she starts skipping meetings with a hobby group, organization, or club that she’s always enjoyed, even when they meet virtually, and you begin to realize something may be wrong. Loud noise seems to sap your loved one’s energy. If there is lots of background noise, or if more than one conversation is taking place simultaneously, this is particularly true.
People who are struggling to hear put excessive energy toward comprehending people around them. They often have to pull this energy from other brain functions such as memory, speaking, and moving.
Utilizing this additional brainpower doesn’t strengthen the brain; it just makes it tired. In social settings, exhaustion will often seem to shut your loved one down.
If you aren’t going through the same thing, don’t assume you can relate to what she’s going through. Her feelings may be the result of a number of factors. But ask questions. Get to the base cause and suggest that she gets her hearing tested.
2. She likes the TV LOUD
This is often one of the first indications that you may identify in another person. Whenever they listen to music or watch TV, they turn it up really loud.
Your living room sounds like a cinema. You suddenly get the urge to make some popcorn, except you find that she’s just watching a reality show or documentary at a volume that almost blows your ears out. You can even hear it from outdoors.
When you suggest that the TV is too loud, she may chuckle and turn it down. Then you realize that she just switched on the captions.
Maybe she’s ashamed about it. It’s likely time for you to suggest a hearing test if this is a regular thing.
3. She says, “What?”… a lot
If you’re in a really loud environment like a concert or theater or she’s really focused on a movie, then it might be nothing. But you should be mindful if this is happening often.
Similarly, take notice if she seems to have a lot of trouble hearing when she’s using the phone.
Is she griping about people muttering or low-talking constantly? Does she frequently need people to repeat what they said? It’s time for a compassionate talk about the benefits of hearing aids.
4. Your relationship is feeling strained
Researchers have found that couples, where one is dealing with hearing loss, have around 50% more quarrels. They might argue about what one of them did or didn’t say, the volume of the TV, or other misunderstandings.
When someone isn’t able to hear, there will be much more tension in a household. Their hearing loss is frustrating. Others get frustrated when they won’t go in for help. This often results in people choosing to spend more time alone because of more hurt feelings.
Many couples don’t recognize that hearing loss is the cause, and this can damage their relationship irreparably. Even moderate hearing loss can strain a relationship, so it pays to get it checked out.
The simple act of getting a hearing exam can give you a totally new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re talking about a spouse, sister, or dear friend. Encourage your loved one to schedule an appointment.
Individuals who discover they need hearing aids and use them say they’d never go back. In fact, they regret they didn’t get them sooner. They feel healthier, happier, and more active.
It’s not a comfortable talk to have. But when your loved one finally finds the help they need it will all have been worth it.
Need more practical ideas about how to handle your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us right away!
