It’s a normal first response – denial. My loved one must be simply making it seem as if their hearing loss is worse than it really is. She’s too young to need a hearing aid.
It’s possible, the two of you have begun to kid around with each other about it. Your loved one always asks you to speak up. You joke about it like it’s just a game. But this game is getting old fast. You question whether she’s just disregarding you or if she may actually be having some genuine hearing trouble.
It’s time to be supportive and make sure your loved one gets the care they need to continue to live a happy, healthy, active life well into their older age.
If somebody you know needs hearing aids they will probably be exhibiting these 4 prevalent symptoms.
1. She seems exhausted, particularly in public
Maybe you think that it just normally occurs when you get older. 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 starts missing meetings with a hobby group, organization, or club that she’s always enjoyed, even when they meet virtually, and you begin to realize something could 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.
Individuals who are struggling to hear put excessive energy toward comprehending those around them. They often have to pull this energy from other functions in the brain such as memory, speaking, and moving.
Utilizing this additional brainpower doesn’t strengthen the brain; it just tires it out. In social situations, fatigue will often seem to shut your loved one down.
If you’re not going through the same thing, don’t assume you can relate to what she’s going through. It may be a mix of things. But ask questions. Get to the root cause and recommend that she get a hearing test.
2. She watches the TV LOUD
Often, you will identify this symptom first. Whenever they play music or watch TV, they crank it up really loud.
Your living room sounds like a movie theater. You instantly 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.
She might turn it down when you tell her it’s too loud. But actually, she turned closed captions on.
She may not want to acknowledge that she really can’t hear the TV. It’s probably time for you to recommend a hearing test if this is a regular thing.
3. She says, “What?”… a lot
It may not be a problem if you are in a very loud setting or she’s really focused on something. But you should be mindful if this is happening often.
Likewise, take notice if she seems to have a lot of difficulty hearing when she’s using the phone.
Is she complaining about people mumbling or low-talking constantly? Is she requesting that people repeat themselves? 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 strained
Couples argue two times as much when one of them has hearing loss, according to research. These quarrels may center around TV volume, misconceptions, or what one claims the other person may or may not have said.
When somebody isn’t able to hear, there will be much more stress in a household. Their hearing loss is frustrating. And their refusal to seek out help is stressful to others. This frequently results in people choosing to spend more time apart 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. Inspire your loved one to schedule an appointment.
Individuals who recognize they need hearing aids and use them say they’d never go back. Typically, they wish they would have done it sooner. They feel healthier, happier, and more energetic.
It can be a difficult talk to have. But when your loved one finally finds the help they require it will all have been worth it.
Need more practical ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us right away!
