It’s a common first reaction – denial. Surely, my loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as advanced as it seems. She’s too young to require a hearing aid.
It’s possible, the two of you have started to kid around with each other about it. Your loved one constantly asks you to repeat yourself. You laugh about it as if it’s just a game. But it’s beginning to become less and less humorous. You question whether she’s simply ignoring you or if she might actually be having some genuine hearing trouble.
You want your loved one to have a balanced, active, and joyful life for years to come so it’s probably time to be encouraging and help them find the appropriate help.
Here are 4 prevalent indications that someone you know needs a hearing aid.
1. She appears to be fatigued, especially in public
Perhaps you think that it just ordinarily occurs when you get older. Your loved one really doesn’t have as much energy as they once did. You try to relate when she says that won’t be going out tonight.
You really begin to suspect that something isn’t right when she starts missing meetings with clubs, organizations, and hobby groups she’s always loved. Loud noise seems to deplete your loved one’s energy. This is particularly true if they are in a situation where there is more than one conversation going on, or there’s lots of background noise.
People who are straining to hear put excessive energy toward comprehending those around them. Consequently, energy is transferred from other important brain functions like physical movement, memory, and talking.
This use of extra energy is actually exhausting the brain not strengthening it. Your loved one will frequently seem to shut down with fatigue in social settings.
Don’t assume you understand what she’s dealing with. It may be a mix of things. In order to get to the bottom of the issue, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing exam.
2. She likes the TV LOUD
This is often one of the first indications that you may perceive 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 have some popcorn, but it’s just your loved one blowing your ears out with the TV. You can even hear it from outdoors.
She might turn it down when you inform her it’s too loud. But it turns out, she turned on closed captions.
She might not want to acknowledge that she really can’t hear the TV. If this is occurring a lot, it may be time for you to recommend a hearing test.
3. She often needs people to repeat themselves
It might not be an issue if you are in a very loud environment or she’s really focused on something. If it’s happening more frequently than that, be aware.
Also, if she’s struggling to hear phone conversations you should pay attention.
Is she constantly frustrated 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 strained
Couples argue two times as much when one of them is dealing with hearing loss, according to research. They might argue about what one of them may or may not have said, the volume of the TV, or other misconceptions.
Overall, there’s just more tension in a household when someone can’t hear. Their hearing loss is frustrating. Others get upset when they won’t get help. This frequently leads to people deciding to spend more time alone because of more hurt feelings.
Many couples don’t realize 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.
Whether it’s a friend, sibling, or partner, you can get new perspective on your relationships by getting a simple hearing test. Speak with your loved one about getting their hearing assessed.
People who recognize they need hearing aids and wear them say they’d never go back. In fact, they regret they waited so long to get them in the first place. They feel healthier, happier, and more active.
It can be a challenging conversation to have. But when your loved one finally gets the help they require it will all have been worth it.
Call us right away and let us help you with some ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss!
