It’s a common first reaction – denial. Of course, my loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as bad as it seems. She’s not old enough for a hearing aid.
Maybe, the two of you have begun to joke 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 quickly. You question whether she’s simply ignoring you or if she might actually be having some legit hearing trouble.
It’s time to be supportive and make sure your loved one receives the care they need to keep living a happy, healthy, active life even into their older age.
If somebody you know needs hearing aids they will most likely be exhibiting these 4 common signs.
1. She seems exhausted, especially in public
Maybe you believe that it just normally happens when you get older. Your loved one just doesn’t have as much energy as they used to. When she says she just doesn’t feel like going out tonight, you try to understand.
Then she begins missing meetings with a hobby group, organization, or club that she’s always loved, even when they meet virtually, and you start to realize something may be wrong. Your loved one’s energy seems to be exhausted by loud environments. 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.
Individuals who are straining to hear put excess energy toward comprehending people around them. Consequently, energy is transferred from other important brain functions like physical movement, memory, and talking.
This use of additional 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. Her feelings might be the result of a number of factors. But ask questions. Get to the base cause and recommend that she get a hearing test.
2. She always turns the TV up too loud
This is frequently one of the first signs that you might notice in another person. Whenever they listen to music or watch TV, they turn it up very loud.
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. You can even hear it from outside.
When you say that the TV is too loud, she may chuckle and turn it down. Then you realize that she just turned on the captions.
She may not want to admit that she really can’t hear the TV. If this is happening a lot, it may be time for you to recommend a hearing exam.
3. She frequently 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 concentrated on a movie, then it may be nothing. If it’s occurring more often than that, pay attention.
Also, if she’s struggling to hear phone conversations you should take note.
Is she constantly aggravated because she thinks people are talking too low or mumbling? Does she frequently need people to repeat what they said? If so, it’s time to have that loving chat about how much better life is with hearing aids.
4. Your relationship is feeling tense
Researchers have discovered that couples, where one is dealing with hearing loss, have about 50% more quarrels. These arguments might center around TV volume, misconceptions, or what one says the other person did or didn’t say.
In general, there’s just more stress in a household when somebody can’t hear. Their hearing loss is frustrating. And their refusal to get help is stressful to others. This frequently results in people deciding to spend more time apart due to more hurt feelings.
This can lead to permanent damage to the relationship and the couple often doesn’t even recognize that hearing loss is the reason. It’s important to get the proper help because even moderate hearing loss can strain relationships.
The simple act of getting a hearing test can give you a totally new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re talking about a spouse, sibling, or dear friend. Talk to your loved one about getting a hearing test.
Individuals who realize they need hearing aids and use them say they’d never go back. Typically, they wish they would have done it sooner. They feel happier, healthier, and more energetic.
It can be a difficult conversation to have. But when your loved one finally finds the help they need it will all have been worth it.
Need more helpful ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us today!