It’s a normal first response – denial. My loved one must be simply making it seem like their hearing loss is worse than it really is. She’s not old enough to need a hearing aid.
It’s possible, the two of you have started to joke around with each other about it. She is always requesting that you repeat what you said. It’s only a game. You laugh about it. But it’s starting to become less and less funny. You’re beginning to believe that maybe your partner, brother, or parent is either ignoring you or really having trouble hearing.
You want your loved one to have a balanced, active, and joyful life for many years so it’s likely time to be supportive and help them seek out the correct help.
If somebody you know needs hearing aids they will probably be showing these 4 prevalent signs.
1. She’s more tired than usual especially when you go out
You might think it’s simply an indication of aging. Your loved one used to have much more energy. You try to understand when she says that won’t be going out tonight.
You really begin to suspect that something isn’t right when she starts missing meetings with clubs, organizations, and hobby groups she’s always loved. Loud noise seems to sap your loved one’s energy. If there is a lot of background noise, or if more than one conversation is taking place simultaneously, this is particularly true.
Additional energy is needed to hear and comprehend what people are saying when someone is struggling with hearing issues. As a result, energy is taken from other important brain functions like physical movement, memory, and speaking.
This use of additional energy is actually exhausting the brain not strengthening it. Your loved one will frequently seem to shut down with exhaustion in social settings.
If you’re not going through the same thing, don’t assume you can relate to what she’s dealing with. It may be a mix of things. In order to get to the bottom of the problem, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing exam.
2. She always turns the TV up really loud
This is frequently one of the first indications that you may identify in another person. They can’t seem to watch TV or play music at a healthy volume.
Your living room sounds like a movie theater. You suddenly get the impulse to make some popcorn, except you realize that she’s just watching a reality show or documentary at a volume that almost makes you cringe. Your neighbors are even able to hear it.
When you suggest that the TV is too loud, she might laugh and lower the volume. Then you notice that she just turned on the captions.
Perhaps she’s ashamed about it. If this is occurring a lot, it might be time for you to suggest a hearing test.
3. She says, “What?”… a lot
If you’re in a really loud environment like a concert or movie theater or she’s really concentrated on a movie, then it may be nothing. But you should be mindful if this is happening often.
Also, if she’s straining to hear phone conversations you should take note.
Is she complaining about people muttering or low-talking constantly? Does she regularly need people to repeat what they said? It’s time for a compassionate talk about the benefits of hearing aids.
4. Your relationship is feeling strained
Couples argue twice as much when one of them is dealing with hearing loss, according to research. They may argue about what one of them did or didn’t say, the volume of the TV, or other misconceptions.
When someone isn’t able to hear, there will be much more tension in a household. They get frustrated about their hearing loss. And their refusal to seek out help is frustrating to others. This brings about lots of hurt feelings and decisions to spend more time apart and alone.
This can lead to permanent harm to the relationship and the couple often doesn’t even comprehend that hearing loss is the reason. Even moderate hearing loss can strain a relationship, so it pays to get it checked out.
The simple act of getting a hearing test can give you a completely new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re talking about a spouse, sister, or dear friend. Inspire your loved one to schedule an appointment.
Individuals who recognize they need hearing aids and wear them say they’d never go back. As a matter of fact, they regret they didn’t get them sooner. They feel happier, healthier, and more active.
It can be a difficult conversation to have. But when your loved one finally finds the help they require it will all have been worth it.
Need more useful ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us right away!
