It’s a common first response – denial. My loved one must be simply making it seem like their hearing loss is more severe than it really is. She’s not old enough to need a hearing aid.
Perhaps, it’s become a joke between the two of you. Your loved one constantly asks you to repeat yourself. You joke about it as if it’s simply a game. But it’s beginning to become less and less funny. You’re beginning to believe that maybe your spouse, brother, or parent is either dismissing you or really having trouble hearing.
You want your loved one to have a healthy, energetic, and joyful life for years to come so it’s likely time to be encouraging and help them seek out the appropriate help.
If somebody you know needs hearing aids they will probably be showing these 4 prevalent signs.
1. She’s more drained than usual especially when you go out
You might think it’s simply an indication of getting older. Your loved one used to have much more energy. You try to understand when she says that she’s not going out tonight.
You really begin to think that something isn’t right when she starts skipping meetings with clubs, organizations, and hobby groups she’s always loved. Loud noise seems to drain your loved one’s energy. This is particularly true if they are in a situation where there is more than one discussion going on, or there’s a lot of background noise.
Individuals who are straining to hear put excess energy toward comprehending people around them. They frequently have to draw this energy from other functions in the brain such as memory, speaking, and moving.
Using this extra brainpower doesn’t strengthen the brain; it just tires it out. In social situations, exhaustion will often seem to shut your loved one down.
Don’t presume you know what she’s dealing with. Her feelings may be attributable to a number of factors. But ask questions. Get to the underlying cause and suggest that she gets her hearing tested.
2. She likes the TV LOUD
This is frequently one of the first signs that you may notice in another person. Whenever they play music or watch TV, they crank 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 outdoors.
When you suggest that the TV is too loud, she might laugh and turn it down. But actually, she turned closed captions on.
Maybe she’s embarrassed about it. It’s likely time for you to recommend a hearing assessment if this is a frequent thing.
3. She often needs people to repeat what they said
If you’re in a really loud setting like a concert or theater or she’s really concentrated on a movie, then it may be nothing. If it’s happening more often than that, be aware.
Also, if she’s struggling to hear phone calls you should pay attention.
Is she complaining about people mumbling or talking low constantly? Does she regularly need people to repeat what they said? It’s time for a compassionate chat about the benefits of hearing aids.
4. You’re feeling a tension 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 someone isn’t able to hear, there will be much more stress in a household. They get aggravated about their hearing loss. Others get upset when they won’t get help. This often results in people choosing to spend more time alone due to more hurt feelings.
Many couples don’t realize 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 completely new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re talking about a spouse, sister, 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. In fact, they regret they waited so long to get them in the first place. Their overall quality of life will be greatly improved.
It’s not an easy talk to have. But when your loved one finally gets the help they require it will all have been worth it.
Need more useful ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us today!