It’s a normal first reaction – denial. Of course, my loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as bad as it seems. She’s not old enough to need a hearing aid.
It’s possible, the two of you have begun to kid around with one another about it. She is always asking you to repeat what you said. You joke about it as if it’s simply a game. But this game is getting old fast. You’re starting to believe that perhaps your partner, sibling, or parent is either ignoring you or really having trouble hearing.
You want your loved one to have a balanced, energetic, and happy life for many years so it’s likely time to be encouraging and help them seek out the appropriate help.
Here are 4 common indications that somebody you know needs a hearing aid.
1. She’s more drained than normal especially when you go out
You may think it’s just a sign of getting older. Your loved one just doesn’t have as much energy as they used to. You try to relate when she says that she’s not going out tonight.
You really start to think that something isn’t right when she starts skipping meetings with clubs, organizations, and hobby groups she’s always loved. Your loved one’s energy seems to be depleted by loud settings. This is particularly true if they’re in a situation where there is more than one conversation happening, or there’s lots of background noise.
Extra energy is needed to hear and comprehend what people are saying when somebody is dealing with hearing issues. As a result, energy is transferred from other essential brain functions like physical mobility, memory, and talking.
Utilizing this additional brainpower doesn’t strengthen the brain; it just makes it tired. In social settings, fatigue will often seem to shut your loved one down.
Don’t presume you understand what she’s dealing with. Her feelings might be the result of a number of factors. In order to get to the bottom of the issue, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing exam.
2. She watches the TV LOUD
This is frequently one of the first signs that you might perceive in another person. They can’t seem to watch TV or play music at a normal volume.
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. 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.
Maybe she’s embarrassed about it. It’s likely 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 concentrated on a movie, then it might be nothing. If it’s happening more often than that, pay attention.
Similarly, take notice if she seems to have a lot of trouble hearing when she’s using the phone.
Is she complaining about people muttering or low-talking constantly? Is she requesting that people repeat themselves? It’s time for a compassionate chat about the advantages of hearing aids.
4. Your relationship is feeling tense
Researchers have revealed that couples, where one is dealing with hearing loss, have about 50% more quarrels. They might argue about what one of them did or didn’t say, the volume of the TV, or other misunderstandings.
Overall, there’s just more tension in a household when somebody can’t hear. They get frustrated about their hearing loss. And their refusal to get help is stressful to others. This often results in people deciding to spend more time apart due to more hurt feelings.
This can cause irreversible damage to the relationship and the couple frequently doesn’t even realize that hearing loss is the cause. It’s important to get the proper help because even moderate hearing loss can strain relationships.
Whether it’s a friend, sibling, or spouse, you can get new perspective on your relationships by getting a simple hearing test. Inspire your loved one to schedule an appointment.
Individuals who realize they need hearing aids and wear them say they’d never go back. Usually, they wish they would have done it sooner. Their general quality of life will be significantly enhanced.
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.
Call us right away and let us help you with some ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss!