Denial is a common first response. My loved one must be simply making it seem like their hearing loss is more severe than it really is. She’s not old enough to need a hearing aid.
Maybe, the two of you have begun to kid around with each other about it. She is always asking you to repeat what you said. You laugh about it like it’s just a game. But it’s beginning to become less and less humorous. You wonder if she’s just disregarding you or if she might actually be having some legit hearing trouble.
You want your loved one to have a healthy, energetic, and joyful life for many years so it’s likely time to be encouraging and help them seek out the correct help.
If someone you know needs hearing aids they will most likely be exhibiting these 4 prevalent symptoms.
1. She seems fatigued, particularly in public
Perhaps you believe that it just normally 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 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 enjoyed. Your loved one’s energy seems to be drained by loud environments. If there is a lot of background noise, or if more than one conversation is happening at the same time, this is particularly true.
Extra energy is required to hear and comprehend what people are saying when someone is struggling with hearing issues. They often have to pull this energy from other brain functions such as memory, speaking, and moving.
Utilizing this extra brainpower doesn’t strengthen the brain; it just makes it tired. In social settings, fatigue will often seem to shut your loved one down.
If you aren’t going through the same thing, don’t assume you can relate to what she’s dealing with. Her feelings may be due to numerous factors. In order to get to the bottom of the problem, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing test.
2. She likes the TV LOUD
This is often one of the first indications that you might notice in another person. Whenever they listen to music or watch TV, they turn it up very loud.
Your living room sounds like a cinema. You suddenly get the urge to make some popcorn, except you find that she’s just watching a reality show or documentary at a volume that almost blows your ears out. Your neighbors can even hear it.
When you suggest that the TV is too loud, she might laugh and turn it down. But actually, she turned on closed captions.
She might not want to acknowledge that she really can’t hear the TV. It’s probably time for you to recommend a hearing exam if this is a regular thing.
3. She says, “What?”… a lot
If you’re in a really loud setting like a concert or theater or she’s really focused on a movie, then it might be nothing. If it’s occurring more often than that, pay attention.
Also, if she’s struggling to hear phone calls you should take note.
Is she always aggravated because she thinks people are speaking too quietly or mumbling? Does she regularly need people to repeat what they said? It’s time for a compassionate talk about the benefits of hearing aids.
4. Your relationship is feeling tense
Couples argue twice as much when one of them has hearing loss, according to research. These arguments might center around TV volume, misconceptions, or what one claims the other person did or didn’t say.
In general, there’s just more stress in a household when somebody can’t hear. Their hearing loss is stressful. Others get frustrated 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 harm their relationship irreparably. Even moderate hearing loss can strain a relationship, so it pays to get it checked out.
Simply getting a hearing test can give you a completely new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re talking about a spouse, sister, or dear friend. Encourage your loved one to schedule an appointment.
If someone has hearing loss, hearing aids can change their lives and most will state they would never go back. In fact, they regret they didn’t get them sooner. They feel happier, healthier, and more active.
It can be a difficult talk to have. But the challenge of this discussion is worth it when your loved one finally finds the help they need.
Need more helpful ideas about how to handle your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us today!
