It’s a common first reaction – denial. Surely, my loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as bad as it seems. She’s not old enough to need a hearing aid.
Maybe, the both of you have started to kid around with one another about it. She is always requesting that you repeat what you said. You joke about it like it’s simply a game. But it’s beginning to become less and less funny. You’re starting to think that maybe your partner, sibling, or parent is either ignoring you or actually having difficulty hearing.
It’s time to be supportive and make sure your loved one gets the care they need to continue to live a happy, healthy, active life even into their senior years.
Here are 4 prevalent indications that somebody you know needs a hearing aid.
1. She seems exhausted, particularly in public
Maybe you believe that it just normally happens when you get older. Your loved one used to have much more energy. When she says she isn’t feeling like going out tonight, you try to be patient.
You really start to suspect that something isn’t right when she begins skipping meetings with clubs, organizations, and hobby groups she’s always enjoyed. Your loved one’s energy seems to be drained by loud settings. If there is lots of background noise, or if more than one conversation is happening simultaneously, this is particularly true.
People who are straining 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, speaking, and moving.
Utilizing this extra brainpower doesn’t strengthen the brain; it just makes it tired. In social situations, fatigue will often seem to shut your loved one down.
If you aren’t going through the same thing, don’t presume you can relate to what she’s dealing with. Her feelings may be attributable to a number of factors. But ask questions. Get to the base cause and suggest that she gets her hearing tested.
2. She always turns the TV up really loud
Frequently, you will notice this symptom first. Whenever they play music or watch TV, they turn it up really loud.
You walk into the room, and it sounds like you’ve just walked into a theater. You suddenly get the impulse 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. But actually, she turned on closed captions.
She may not want to acknowledge that she actually can’t hear the TV. If this is occurring a lot, it might be time for you to suggest a hearing exam.
3. She often needs people to repeat themselves
If you’re in a really loud environment like a concert or theater or she’s really concentrated on a movie, then it might be nothing. But you should pay closer attention if this is occurring often.
Similarly, take notice 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 low or muttering? Does she regularly need people to repeat what they said? It’s time for a compassionate talk about the benefits of hearing aids.
4. You’re feeling a rift in the relationship
Couples argue twice as much when one of them has hearing loss, according to research. These arguments may center around TV volume, misconceptions, or what one claims the other person did or didn’t say.
When someone isn’t able to hear, there will be much more tension in a household. Their hearing loss is frustrating. Others get upset when they won’t go in for help. This brings about 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 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 test can give you a totally new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re dealing with a spouse, sibling, or dear friend. Talk to your loved one about getting their hearing assessed.
People who discover 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. Their overall quality of life will be significantly enhanced.
It isn’t an easy discussion to have. But the difficulty of this conversation is worth it when your loved one finally finds the assistance they need.
Call us right away and let us help you with some ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss!