Denial is a common first reaction. Of course, my loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as advanced as it seems. She’s not old enough to need a hearing aid.
Perhaps, it’s become a joke between both of you. She is always requesting that you repeat what you said. It’s only a game. You joke about it. But it’s beginning to become less and less funny. You question whether she’s simply ignoring you or if she may actually be having some genuine hearing trouble.
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 older age.
If someone you know needs hearing aids they will most likely be exhibiting these 4 common signs.
1. She’s more drained than usual particularly when you go out
Maybe you believe that it just normally happens when you age. Your loved one used to have a lot more energy. You try to relate when she says that she’s not going out tonight.
You really start to suspect that something isn’t right when she begins skipping meetings with clubs, organizations, and hobby groups she’s always loved. 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 taking place simultaneously, this is particularly true.
Individuals who are straining to hear put excessive energy toward comprehending those around them. They frequently have to pull this energy from other functions in the brain like memory, talking, 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 assume you know what she’s experiencing. Her feelings may be attributable to a number of factors. In order to get to the root of the problem, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing assessment.
2. She watches the TV LOUD
Often, you will notice this symptom first. Whenever they play music or watch TV, they crank it up really loud.
Your living room sounds like a movie theater. You instantly 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. Your neighbors are even able to hear it.
She might turn it down when you tell her it’s too loud. But actually, she turned closed captions on.
She might not want to admit that she actually can’t hear the TV. If this is happening a lot, it might be time for you to suggest a hearing exam.
3. She says, “What?”… a lot
It may not be a problem if you are in a very loud environment or she’s really focused on something. If it’s happening more often than that, pay attention.
Similarly, take notice if she seems to have a lot of difficulty hearing when she’s on the phone.
Is she griping about people mumbling or talking low constantly? Is she asking people to repeat themselves? If so, it’s time to have that loving discussion about how much better life is with 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 may or may not have said, the volume of the TV, or other misunderstandings.
When someone isn’t able to hear, there will be a lot more tension in a household. Their hearing loss is stressful. Others get frustrated when they won’t go in for help. This often results in people deciding to spend more time apart due to more hurt feelings.
This can cause permanent harm to the relationship and the couple often doesn’t even recognize that hearing loss is the cause. Even moderate hearing loss can strain a relationship, so it pays to get it checked out.
Whether it’s a friend, sibling, or spouse, you can get new perspective on your relationships by simply getting a hearing test. Talk to your loved one about getting a hearing test.
If somebody 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 isn’t an easy conversation to have. But when your loved one finally finds the help they need it will all have been worth it.
Call us today and let us help you with some ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss!
