Denial is a typical first reaction. My loved one must be simply making it seem as if their hearing loss is more severe than it really is. She’s too young to require a hearing aid.
Perhaps, it’s become a joke between both of you. Your loved one constantly asks you to speak up. It’s just a game. You joke about it. But this game is getting old quickly. You’re beginning to believe that perhaps your spouse, sibling, or parent is either dismissing you or really having trouble hearing.
It’s time to be supportive and make certain your loved one receives the care they need to continue to live a happy, healthy, active lifestyle well into their older age.
If somebody you know needs hearing aids they will most likely be showing these 4 prevalent symptoms.
1. She appears to be exhausted, especially in public
You might think it’s just a sign of getting older. Your loved one used to have a lot more energy. When she says she isn’t feeling like going out tonight, you try to understand.
You really begin to think that something isn’t right when she begins missing meetings with clubs, organizations, and hobby groups she’s always loved. Loud noise seems to sap your loved one’s energy. This is particularly true if they’re in a situation where there’s more than one discussion happening, or there’s lots of background noise.
Individuals who are straining to hear put excessive energy toward understanding those around them. They frequently have to pull this energy from other brain functions like memory, speaking, and moving.
This use of extra energy is actually exhausting the brain not strengthening it. In social situations, fatigue will often seem to shut your loved one down.
Don’t assume you understand what she’s dealing with. Her feelings may be the result of numerous factors. But ask questions. Get to the underlying cause and suggest that she get a hearing test.
2. She likes the TV LOUD
Often, you will identify this symptom first. Whenever they play music or watch TV, they turn it up really loud.
Your living room sounds like a cinema. You instantly 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. You can even hear it from outside.
When you say that the TV is too loud, she might laugh and lower the volume. Then you notice that she just switched on the captions.
She might not want to acknowledge that she really can’t hear the TV. It’s likely time for you to recommend a hearing exam if this is a frequent thing.
3. She says, “What?”… a lot
It might not be an issue if you are in a very loud environment or she’s really focused on something. If it’s occurring more often than that, be aware.
Likewise, pay attention if she seems to have a lot of trouble hearing when she’s using the phone.
Is she complaining about people muttering or talking low constantly? Does she regularly need people to repeat what they said? It’s time for a compassionate chat about the benefits of hearing aids.
4. You’re feeling a tension in the relationship
Researchers have discovered that couples, where one has hearing loss, have about 50% more quarrels. They might argue about what one of them may or may not have said, the volume of the TV, or other misconceptions.
When someone isn’t able to hear, there will be much more stress in a household. They get frustrated about their hearing loss. Others get frustrated when they won’t get help. This frequently results in people deciding to spend more time apart due to more hurt feelings.
This can cause irreversible harm to the relationship and the couple frequently doesn’t even comprehend that hearing loss is the cause. It’s important to get the proper help because even moderate hearing loss can strain relationships.
Simply getting a hearing test can give you a completely new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re dealing with a spouse, sister, or dear friend. Inspire your loved one to call for an appointment.
If someone has hearing loss, hearing aids can improve their lives and most will state they would never go back. As a matter of fact, they regret they didn’t get them sooner. They feel happier, healthier, and more active.
It’s not an easy discussion to have. But the challenge of this conversation is worth it when your loved one finally finds the help they need.
Need more useful ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us today!
