Denial is a typical first reaction. Of course, my loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as bad as it seems. She’s too young to need a hearing aid.
Perhaps, it’s become a joke between the two of you. She is always requesting that you repeat what you said. You laugh about it like it’s just a game. But it’s starting to become less and less funny. You question whether she’s simply disregarding you or if she may actually be having some genuine hearing trouble.
It’s time to be supportive and make certain your loved one receives the care they need to continue to live a happy, healthy, active life even into their senior years.
Here are 4 common signs that somebody you know needs a hearing aid.
1. She appears to be fatigued, particularly in public
Perhaps you think that it just ordinarily happens when you age. Your loved one just doesn’t have as much energy as they used to. You try to understand when she says that she’s not going out tonight.
Then she begins skipping meetings with a hobby group, organization, or club that she’s always loved, even when they meet virtually, and you start to realize something could be wrong. Your loved one’s energy seems to be drained by loud settings. This is especially true if they’re in a situation where there’s more than one discussion going on, or there’s a lot of background noise.
Individuals who are straining to hear put excessive energy toward comprehending those around them. Consequently, energy is taken from other important brain functions like physical mobility, memory, and speaking.
Utilizing this extra brainpower doesn’t strengthen the brain; it just tires it out. Your loved one will frequently seem to shut down with exhaustion in social situations.
Don’t presume you know what she’s dealing with. It could be a mix of things. But ask questions. Get to the base cause and recommend that she gets her hearing tested.
2. She likes the TV LOUD
Often, you will identify this symptom first. They can’t seem to watch TV or listen to music at a normal volume.
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. Your neighbors can even hear it.
She may turn it down when you inform her it’s too loud. Then you realize that she just switched on the captions.
Perhaps she’s embarrassed about it. It’s likely time for you to suggest a hearing exam if this is a regular thing.
3. She says, “What?”… a lot
It may not be a problem if you are in a really loud setting or she’s really zoned in on something. But you should be mindful if this is occurring frequently.
Furthermore, if she’s straining to hear phone calls you should take note.
Is she always annoyed because she thinks people are speaking too quietly or muttering? 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. Your relationship is feeling tense
Researchers have discovered that couples, where one has hearing loss, have around 50% more arguments. They might argue about what one of them did or didn’t say, the volume of the TV, or other misunderstandings.
When somebody isn’t able to hear, there will be a lot more tension in a household. Their hearing loss is frustrating. Others get upset when they won’t go in for help. This leads to lots of hurt feelings and decisions to spend more time apart or alone.
Many couples don’t recognize that hearing loss is the trigger, and this can damage their relationship irreparably. It’s important to get the proper help because even moderate hearing loss can strain relationships.
The simple act of getting a hearing exam can give you a completely new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re dealing with a spouse, sister, or dear friend. Talk to your loved one about getting a hearing test.
Individuals who recognize they need hearing aids and wear them say they’d never go back. Normally, they wish they would have done it sooner. Their overall quality of life will be greatly enhanced.
It isn’t an easy talk to have. But the difficulty of this conversation is worth it when your loved one finally finds the assistance they need.
Call us today and let us help you with some ideas about how to tackle your loved one’s hearing loss!
