Denial is a common first reaction. My loved one must be simply making it seem like their hearing loss is more severe than it really is. She’s too young to require a hearing aid.
Maybe, the both of you have started to kid around with each other about it. She is always requesting that you repeat what you said. You joke about it like it’s just a game. But this game is getting old fast. You question whether she’s simply disregarding you or if she might actually be having some genuine hearing trouble.
You want your loved one to have a healthy, energetic, and happy life for years to come so it’s likely time to be supportive and help them find the correct help.
Here are 4 common signals that somebody you know needs a hearing aid.
1. She seems exhausted, particularly in public
Perhaps you think that it just normally happens when you get older. Your loved one really doesn’t have as much energy as they once did. When she says she isn’t feeling like going out tonight, you try to be patient.
Then she begins missing meetings with a hobby group, organization, or club that she’s always enjoyed, even when they meet virtually, and you start to recognize something could be wrong. Loud noise seems to sap your loved one’s energy. This is especially 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 struggling to hear put excess energy toward comprehending people around them. They frequently have to pull this energy from other brain functions such as memory, speaking, and moving.
Utilizing this additional brainpower doesn’t strengthen the brain; it just tires it out. In social situations, exhaustion will often seem to shut your loved one down.
Don’t presume you understand what she’s experiencing. Her feelings may be the result of a number of factors. In order to get to the root of the problem, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing test.
2. She always cranks the TV up really loud
Often, you will notice this symptom first. They can’t seem to watch TV or play music at a healthy volume.
Your living room sounds like a cinema. You feel like you should make some popcorn, but it’s just your loved one blowing your ears out with the TV. You can even hear it from outdoors.
When you suggest that the TV is too loud, she might laugh and lower the volume. But actually, she turned on closed captions.
Maybe she’s ashamed about it. It’s likely time for you to suggest a hearing exam if this is a frequent thing.
3. She often needs people to repeat what they said
If you’re in a really loud setting like a concert or movie theater or she’s really focused on a movie, then it may be nothing. But you should pay closer attention if this is happening frequently.
Also, if she’s struggling to hear phone calls you should take note.
Is she always frustrated because she thinks people are talking too low or mumbling? Is she requesting that people repeat themselves? If so, it’s time to have that loving conversation about how much better life is with hearing aids.
4. You’re feeling a rift in the relationship
Couples argue twice as much when one of them is dealing with hearing loss, according to research. These quarrels might center around TV volume, misunderstandings, or what one says the other person may or may not have said.
Overall, 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 leads to lots of hurt feelings and decisions to spend more time apart and alone.
This can cause permanent damage to the relationship and the couple often 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.
Simply getting a hearing exam can give you a totally new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re dealing with a spouse, sister, or dear friend. Speak with your loved one about getting a hearing test.
Individuals who discover they need hearing aids and use them say they’d never go back. In fact, they regret they didn’t get them sooner. They feel healthier, happier, and more energetic.
It’s not a comfortable discussion to have. But the difficulty of this discussion is worth it when your loved one finally gets the assistance they need.
Need more practical ideas about how to handle your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us right away!