It’s a normal first reaction – denial. Of course, my loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as bad as it seems. She’s too young to need a hearing aid.
It’s possible, the both of you have begun to kid around with one another about it. Your loved one constantly asks you to repeat yourself. It’s only a game. You joke about it. But it’s starting to become less and less funny. You’re beginning to believe that perhaps your spouse, brother, or parent is either ignoring you or really having trouble hearing.
You want your loved one to have a balanced, active, and joyful life for many years so it’s probably time to be supportive and help them seek out the appropriate help.
If someone you know needs hearing aids they will most likely be exhibiting these 4 prevalent symptoms.
1. She’s more tired than normal especially when you go out
Maybe you believe that it just normally occurs when you age. Your loved one just doesn’t have as much energy as they once did. You try to relate when she says that she’s not going out tonight.
You really start to think that something isn’t right when she begins skipping meetings with clubs, organizations, and hobby groups she’s always enjoyed. Loud noise seems to deplete 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 excess energy toward comprehending those around them. They often have to draw this energy from other functions in the brain such as memory, talking, and moving.
This use of additional energy is actually fatiguing 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 mix of things. In order to get to the root of the issue, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing test.
2. She watches the TV LOUD
This is often one of the first signs that you may perceive in another person. Whenever they listen to music or watch TV, they turn it up very loud.
You go into the room, and it sounds like you’ve just entered a movie theater. You feel like you should have 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 might laugh and turn it down. But actually, she turned on closed captions.
She might not want to admit that she really can’t hear the TV. If this is occurring 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 setting like a concert or movie theater or she’s really concentrated on a movie, then it might be nothing. But you should be mindful if this is occurring often.
Likewise, pay attention if she seems to have a lot of difficulty hearing when she’s on the phone.
Is she constantly aggravated because she thinks people are speaking too quietly or mumbling? Is she requesting that people repeat themselves? If so, it’s time to have that loving discussion about how much more enjoyable life is with hearing aids.
4. You’re feeling a rift in the relationship
Couples argue two times as much when one of them is dealing with hearing loss, according to research. They may argue about what one of them may or may not have said, the volume of the TV, or other misunderstandings.
When somebody can’t hear, there will be a lot more tension in a household. Their hearing loss is stressful. And their refusal to seek out help is stressful to others. This often results in people choosing to spend more time apart due to more hurt feelings.
This can cause permanent harm to the relationship and the couple often doesn’t even realize that hearing loss is the cause. It’s important to get the proper help because even moderate hearing loss can strain relationships.
Simply getting a hearing test can give you a totally new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re dealing with a spouse, sister, or dear friend. Speak with your loved one about getting a hearing test.
People who realize they need hearing aids and wear them say they’d never go back. As a matter of fact, they regret they waited so long to get them in the first place. They feel healthier, happier, and more active.
It isn’t an easy talk to have. But the challenge of this discussion is worth it when your loved one finally finds the help they need.
Need more practical ideas about how to handle your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us today!
