It’s a common first response – denial. My loved one must be just making it seem as if their hearing loss is more severe than it actually is. She’s not old enough for a hearing aid.
Maybe, it’s become a joke between both of you. Your loved one constantly asks you to repeat yourself. You laugh about it as if it’s simply a game. But it’s beginning to become less and less humorous. You’re beginning to think that maybe your partner, sibling, or parent is either ignoring you or actually having trouble hearing.
You want your loved one to have a healthy, active, and joyful life for years to come so it’s likely time to be supportive and help them seek out the appropriate help.
If someone you know needs hearing aids they will probably be showing these 4 common signs.
1. She’s more tired than usual particularly when you go out
Perhaps you think that it just normally occurs when you age. Your loved one just doesn’t have as much energy as they used to. When she says she isn’t feeling like going out tonight, you try to be patient.
Then she begins missing meetings with a hobby group, organization, or club that she’s always enjoyed, even when they get together virtually, and you start to realize something could be wrong. Loud noise seems to drain your loved one’s energy. This is especially true if they are in a situation where there is more than one conversation going on, or there’s a lot of background noise.
Additional energy is needed to hear and understand what people are saying when somebody is coping with hearing problems. Consequently, energy is taken from other important brain functions like physical mobility, memory, and speaking.
This use of extra energy is actually exhausting the brain not strengthening it. In social situations, exhaustion will often seem to shut your loved one down.
Don’t presume you understand what she’s dealing with. Her feelings might be due to numerous factors. In order to get to the bottom of the issue, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing test.
2. She likes the TV LOUD
Frequently, you will notice this symptom first. Whenever they play 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 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 makes you cringe. You can even hear it from outside.
She might turn it down when you inform her it’s too loud. Then you notice that she just turned on the captions.
Perhaps she’s ashamed about it. It’s likely time for you to recommend a hearing exam if this is a frequent thing.
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 focused on a movie, then it may be nothing. If it’s happening more often than that, be aware.
Similarly, pay attention if she seems to have a lot of trouble hearing when she’s on the phone.
Is she constantly aggravated because she thinks people are talking too quietly or mumbling? Is she asking people to repeat themselves? If so, it’s time to have that loving chat about how much better life is with hearing aids.
4. You’re feeling a rift in the relationship
Researchers have revealed that couples, where one is dealing with hearing loss, have around 50% more quarrels. These arguments might be about TV volume, misconceptions, or what one claims the other person did or didn’t say.
Overall, there’s just more tension in a household when somebody can’t hear. They get aggravated about their hearing loss. Others get upset when they won’t get help. This brings about lots of hurt feelings and decisions to spend more time apart or alone.
This can lead to irreversible damage to the relationship and the couple frequently 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.
Whether it’s a friend, sibling, or partner, you can get new perspective on your relationships by getting a simple hearing test. Encourage your loved one to call for an appointment.
Individuals who recognize 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 happier, healthier, and more active.
It’s not a comfortable discussion 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 today!