Denial is a typical first response. 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.
Perhaps, it’s become a joke between the two of you. She is always asking you to repeat what you said. You joke about it like it’s just a game. But it’s beginning to become less and less funny. You’re starting to believe that perhaps your spouse, sibling, or parent is either dismissing you or actually having difficulty hearing.
You want your loved one to have a balanced, energetic, and happy life for years to come so it’s likely time to be encouraging and help them find the appropriate help.
If somebody you know needs hearing aids they will most likely be exhibiting these 4 common signs.
1. She appears to be exhausted, especially in public
You may think it’s simply an indication of getting older. 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 begin to think that something isn’t right when she starts missing meetings with clubs, organizations, and hobby groups she’s always loved. Your loved one’s energy seems to be depleted by loud settings. This is particularly true if they are in a situation where there’s more than one conversation happening, or there’s lots of background noise.
Individuals who are struggling to hear put excess energy toward comprehending those around them. They frequently have to draw this energy from other brain functions like memory, speaking, and moving.
This use of extra energy is actually fatiguing the brain not strengthening it. Your loved one will frequently seem to shut down with exhaustion in social settings.
Don’t presume you know what she’s experiencing. It could be a combination of things. In order to get to the bottom of the issue, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing test.
2. She always cranks the TV up really loud
This is frequently one of the first indications that you may identify in another person. They can’t seem to watch TV or play music at a healthy volume.
Your living room sounds like a movie theater. You instantly get the impulse to make some popcorn, except you realize that she’s just watching a reality show or documentary at a volume that almost makes you cringe. Your neighbors are even able to hear it.
When you suggest that the TV is too loud, she may chuckle and lower the volume. But it turns out, she turned closed captions on.
Perhaps she’s ashamed about it. If this is happening a lot, it might be time for you to recommend a hearing exam.
3. She often needs people to repeat themselves
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 happening often.
Furthermore, if she’s straining to hear phone conversations you should pay attention.
Is she griping about people mumbling or talking low constantly? Is she requesting that people repeat themselves? It’s time for a compassionate chat about the advantages of hearing aids.
4. Your relationship is feeling tense
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 did or didn’t say, the volume of the TV, or other misconceptions.
Overall, there’s just more tension in a household when someone can’t hear. Their hearing loss is frustrating. Others get frustrated when they won’t go in for help. This leads to lots of hurt feelings and decisions to spend more time apart and alone.
Many couples don’t realize that hearing loss is the cause, and this can harm 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 dealing with a spouse, sibling, or dear friend. Encourage your loved one to call for an appointment.
If someone has hearing loss, hearing aids can improve their lives and most will state they would never go back. Usually, they wish they wouldn’t have waited so long. They feel happier, healthier, and more active.
It’s not an easy discussion to have. But the difficulty of this discussion is worth it when your loved one finally gets the help they need.
Need more practical ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us right away!