It’s a normal first response – denial. My loved one must be just making it seem like their hearing loss is worse than it actually is. She’s not old enough for a hearing aid.
Maybe, the both of you have started to joke around with each other about it. Your loved one constantly asks you to speak up. You joke about it as if it’s simply a game. But it’s beginning to become less and less humorous. You question whether she’s just disregarding you or if she might actually be having some legit hearing trouble.
You want your loved one to have a balanced, energetic, and happy life for many years so it’s probably time to be supportive and help them find the correct help.
Here are 4 common signs that someone you know needs a hearing aid.
1. She seems exhausted, particularly in public
Perhaps you believe that it just normally happens when you get older. Your loved one just doesn’t have as much energy as they used to. When she says she just doesn’t feel like going out tonight, you try to be patient.
Then she begins missing meetings with a hobby group, organization, or club that she’s always loved, even when they get together virtually, and you begin to realize something could be wrong. Your loved one’s energy seems to be exhausted 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 struggling to hear put excessive energy toward understanding those around them. Consequently, energy is taken from other important brain functions like physical movement, memory, and talking.
This use of additional energy is actually fatiguing the brain not strengthening it. Your loved one will frequently seem to shut down with fatigue in social situations.
If you’re not going through the same thing, don’t assume you can relate to what she’s dealing with. It could be a mix of things. In order to get to the bottom of the problem, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing exam.
2. She always cranks the TV up too loud
Frequently, you will notice this symptom first. Whenever they play music or watch TV, they turn it up really loud.
You go into the room, and it sounds like you’ve just walked into a theater. 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 outside.
When you suggest that the TV is too loud, she might chuckle and turn it down. Then you notice that she just switched on the captions.
Maybe she’s ashamed about it. If this is occurring a lot, it may be time for you to recommend a hearing test.
3. She says, “What?”… a lot
It may not be a problem if you are in a really loud setting or she’s really focused on something. But you should pay closer attention if this is occurring frequently.
Also, if she’s straining to hear phone calls you should take note.
Is she griping about people muttering or low-talking constantly? Does she frequently need people to repeat what they said? If so, it’s time to have that loving conversation about how much better life is with 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. 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 stress in a household. Their hearing loss is stressful. And their refusal to seek out help is frustrating to others. This often results in people choosing to spend more time apart due to more hurt feelings.
Many couples don’t recognize 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, sister, or dear friend. Encourage your loved one to call for an appointment.
Individuals who recognize they need hearing aids and use them say they’d never go back. As a matter of fact, they regret they didn’t get them sooner. Their overall quality of life will be greatly improved.
It isn’t a comfortable discussion to have. But the challenge of this conversation is worth it when your loved one finally gets the assistance they need.
Need more practical ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us today!