You care deeply about your loved ones and want to do something to let them know? Truly listen when your loved ones talk to you. But you need to be able to hear in order to really listen.
Research reveals one in three adults between 65 and 74 is enduring hearing loss and millions would benefit from using a hearing aid. But only 30% of those individuals actually use hearing aids, unfortunately.
This inaction leads to trouble hearing, along with higher dementia rates, depression, and stressed relationships. Suffering in silence is how many individuals endure their hearing loss.
But it’s nearly springtime. Spring should be a time when we take pleasure in blossoming flowers, emerging foliage, starting new things, and getting closer to loved ones. Talking openly about hearing loss can be a superb way to renew relationships.
It’s Important to Have “The Talk”
Studies have revealed that an person with neglected hearing loss is 2.4 times more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. When the part of your brain used for hearing becomes less engaged, it can begin a cascade effect that can impact your overall brain. This is called “brain atrophy” by doctors. It’s an example of the “use it or lose it” concept at work.
People with hearing loss have almost two times as many cases of depression than individuals who have healthy hearing. People who have worsening hearing loss, according to research, often experience agitation and anxiety. Separation from family and friends is frequently the consequence. They’re likely to stop involving themselves in the activities they once enjoyed as they fall deeper into a state of depression.
This, in turn, can result in strained relationships among spouses, but also between parent and child, close friends, and other people in this individual’s life.
Solving The Puzzle
Your loved one might not think they can talk to you about their hearing issues. They could be scared or ashamed. Perhaps they’re going through denial. You may need to do a little detective work to determine when it’s time to have the conversation.
Because it’s not possible for you to directly know how bad your spouse’s hearing loss is, you may have to depend on some of the following clues:
- Irritation or anxiousness in social settings that you haven’t previously observed
- Not hearing vital sounds, like the doorbell, washer buzzer, or somebody calling their name
- Avoiding busy places
- Misunderstanding situations more frequently
- Cranking the volume way up on the TV
- School, hobbies, and work are suddenly becoming harder
- Ringing, buzzing, and other sounds that no one else hears
- Avoiding conversations
Plan on having a heart-to-heart conversation with your loved one if you observe any of these common signs.
How to Talk About Hearing Loss
It might be difficult to have this discussion. You might get the brush off or even a more defensive reaction from a partner in denial. That’s why it’s crucial to approach hearing loss correctly. The steps will be the basically same even though you may have to modify your language based on your unique relationship.
Step 1: Let them know that you love them unconditionally and value your relationship.
Step 2: Their health is important to you and you’re worried. You’ve read the studies. You know that neglected hearing loss can lead to an increased chance of depression and dementia. You don’t want your loved one to deal with that.
Step 3: You’re also worried about your own health and safety. Your hearing can be harmed by overly high volumes on the TV and other devices. Additionally, research has shown that loud noise can create anxiety, which may impact your relationship. If somebody has broken into your home, or you yell for help, your loved one might not hear you.
People engage with others by using emotion. Simply listing facts won’t be as impactful as painting an emotional picture of the possible repercussions.
Step 4: Come to an agreement that it’s time for a hearing test. Do it immediately after deciding. Don’t procrastinate.
Step 5: Be ready for objections. These might occur anytime during the process. This is someone you know well. What obstacles will they find? Costs? Time? Do they not acknowledge a problem? Are they thinking about trying out home remedies? You understand “natural hearing loss cures” don’t really work and could do more harm than good.
Be prepared with your answers. You may even practice them in the mirror. They don’t have to match those listed above word-for-word, but they should speak to your loved one’s concerns.
Grow Your Relationship
https://www.gomerhearing.com/hearing-loss-articles/grow-relationship-spring-tackling-hearing-loss-issues/
Talking about hearing loss isn’t easy if your significant other isn’t willing to discuss it. But by having this talk, you’ll grow closer and get your loved one the help they need to live a longer, healthier, more rewarding life. Growing closer – isn’t that what love is all about?
References
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5403920/
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/news/2014/nidcd-researchers-find-strong-link-between-hearing-loss-and-depression-adults