Denial is a common first reaction. Of course, my loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as bad as it seems. She’s not old enough to need a hearing aid.
Maybe, the both of you have started to joke around with each other about it. She is always asking you to repeat what you said. You joke about it as if it’s just a game. But this game is getting old fast. You’re starting to believe that perhaps your partner, brother, or parent is either dismissing you or actually having difficulty hearing.
You want your loved one to have a healthy, energetic, and happy life for many years so it’s likely time to be encouraging and help them find the appropriate help.
If somebody you know needs hearing aids they will probably be showing these 4 prevalent symptoms.
1. She’s more drained than usual particularly when you go out
You may think it’s just an indication of getting older. Your loved one used to have a lot more energy. When she says she isn’t feeling like going out tonight, you try to be patient.
Then she starts missing meetings with a hobby group, organization, or club that she’s always loved, even when they get together virtually, and you begin to recognize something may be wrong. Loud noise seems to sap your loved one’s energy. If there is a lot of background noise, or if more than one conversation is taking place at the same time, this is particularly true.
Extra energy is needed to hear and understand what people are saying when somebody is struggling with hearing issues. Consequently, energy is taken from other important brain functions like physical movement, memory, and speaking.
This use of extra energy is actually exhausting the brain not strengthening it. In social situations, fatigue will often seem to shut your loved one down.
Don’t presume you know what she’s dealing with. It may be a combination of things. In order to get to the bottom of the problem, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing test.
2. She likes the TV LOUD
Frequently, you will notice this symptom first. They can’t seem to watch TV or play music at a normal volume.
Your living room sounds like a cinema. 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 may laugh and lower the volume. Then you notice that she just switched on the captions.
Maybe she’s ashamed about it. If this is occurring a lot, it may be time for you to recommend a hearing exam.
3. She says, “What?”… a lot
It might not be an issue if you are in a really loud setting or she’s really zoned in on something. If it’s occurring more frequently than that, be aware.
Furthermore, if she’s straining to hear phone conversations you should pay attention.
Is she constantly annoyed because she thinks people are talking too quietly or muttering? Does she regularly need people to repeat what they said? If so, it’s time to have that loving conversation about how much more enjoyable life is with hearing aids.
4. Your relationship is feeling tense
Researchers have revealed that couples, where one has hearing loss, have around 50% more arguments. They might argue about what one of them may or may not have said, the volume of the TV, or other misunderstandings.
When someone isn’t able to hear, there will be much more stress in a household. They get frustrated about their hearing loss. Others get upset when they won’t get help. This often results in people choosing to spend more time alone because of more hurt feelings.
This can lead to permanent harm to the relationship and the couple frequently doesn’t even comprehend that hearing loss is the reason. Even moderate hearing loss can strain a relationship, so it pays to get it checked out.
Simply getting a hearing test can give you a completely new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re talking about a spouse, sister, or dear friend. Speak with your loved one about getting a hearing test.
If somebody has hearing loss, hearing aids can improve their lives and most will say they would never go back. Normally, they wish they wouldn’t have waited so long. They feel healthier, happier, and more active.
It can be a difficult talk to have. But when your loved one finally gets the help they need it will all have been worth it.
Call us today and let us help you with some ideas about how to tackle your loved one’s hearing loss!