Denial is a typical first response. Of course, my loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as advanced as it seems. She’s too young to require a hearing aid.
Perhaps, it’s become a joke between the two of you. Your loved one always asks you to speak up. It’s just a game. You laugh about it. But it’s starting to become less and less funny. You question whether she’s just disregarding you or if she may 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 supportive and help them find the correct help.
If someone you know needs hearing aids they will most likely be exhibiting these 4 prevalent signs.
1. She seems exhausted, especially in public
Perhaps you believe that it just normally occurs when you get older. Your loved one used to have much more energy. When she says she isn’t feeling like going out tonight, you try to be patient.
Then she begins skipping meetings with a hobby group, organization, or club that she’s always loved, even when they meet virtually, and you begin to recognize something could be wrong. Loud noise seems to drain your loved one’s energy. This is particularly true if they’re 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 understanding those around them. They often have to draw this energy from other brain functions such as memory, speaking, and moving.
Utilizing this extra brainpower doesn’t strengthen the brain; it just tires it out. Your loved one will frequently seem to shut down with fatigue in social settings.
Don’t presume you understand what she’s experiencing. 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 watches the TV LOUD
Often, you will identify this symptom first. They can’t seem to watch TV or listen to music at a normal volume.
You walk into the room, and it sounds like you’ve just walked into a theater. You instantly get the urge to make some popcorn, except you realize that she’s just watching a reality show or documentary at a volume that almost blows your ears out. Your neighbors are even able to hear it.
When you say that the TV is too loud, she might laugh and lower the volume. Then you notice that she just turned on the captions.
Maybe she’s ashamed about it. It’s likely time for you to recommend a hearing assessment if this is a frequent thing.
3. She says, “What?”… a lot
It may not be an issue if you are in a really loud environment or she’s really zoned in on something. But you should pay closer attention if this is happening frequently.
Furthermore, if she’s struggling to hear phone calls you should pay attention.
Is she always frustrated because she thinks people are speaking too low or muttering? Does she frequently need people to repeat what they said? If so, it’s time to have that loving chat about how much more enjoyable life is with hearing aids.
4. Your relationship is feeling strained
Couples argue twice as much when one of them has 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 misunderstandings.
Overall, there’s just more tension in a household when someone can’t hear. They get aggravated about their hearing loss. Others get upset when they won’t go in for help. This brings about lots of hurt feelings and decisions to spend more time apart or alone.
Many couples don’t recognize that hearing loss is the cause, 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 spouse, you can get new perspective on your relationships by getting a simple hearing test. Talk to your loved one about getting a hearing test.
If somebody has hearing loss, hearing aids can change their lives and most will state they would never go back. As a matter of fact, they regret they waited so long to get them in the first place. They feel happier, healthier, and more energetic.
It can be a difficult conversation to have. But when your loved one finally gets the help they require it will all have been worth it.
Need more practical ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us today!