It’s a normal first reaction – denial. My loved one must be simply making it seem as if their hearing loss is worse than it actually is. She’s not old enough for a hearing aid.
Maybe, the both of you have started to kid around with each other about it. Your loved one always asks you to repeat yourself. You laugh about it as if it’s simply a game. But this game is getting old fast. You question whether she’s simply disregarding you or if she may actually be having some genuine hearing trouble.
It’s time to be supportive and make sure your loved one gets the care they need to continue to live a happy, healthy, active life even into their senior years.
If someone you know needs hearing aids they will most likely be exhibiting these 4 prevalent symptoms.
1. She’s more drained than normal particularly when you go out
You may think it’s just an indication of aging. Your loved one used to have much more energy. You try to relate when she says that won’t be going out tonight.
You really start to suspect that something isn’t right when she starts skipping meetings with clubs, organizations, and hobby groups she’s always loved. Your loved one’s energy seems to be drained by loud environments. This is particularly true if they’re in a situation where there is more than one conversation happening, or there’s lots of background noise.
People who are struggling to hear put excess energy toward comprehending people around them. As a result, energy is transferred from other essential brain functions like physical movement, memory, and talking.
Using 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.
If you’re not personally experiencing the same thing, don’t assume you can relate to what she’s dealing with. Her feelings may be due to numerous factors. In order to get to the root of the issue, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing assessment.
2. She likes the TV LOUD
This is often one of the first signs that you may notice in another person. Whenever they play music or watch TV, they crank it up really loud.
You walk into the room, and it sounds like you’ve just walked into a theater. You instantly 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 blows your ears out. You can even hear it from outdoors.
When you say that the TV is too loud, she might chuckle and lower the volume. Then you realize that she just switched on the captions.
She might not want to admit that she actually can’t hear the TV. It’s likely time for you to recommend a hearing exam if this is a regular thing.
3. She often needs people to repeat what they said
It might not be an issue if you are in a really loud environment or she’s really zoned in on something. But you should be mindful if this is occurring often.
Likewise, take notice if she seems to have a lot of trouble hearing when she’s using the phone.
Is she constantly frustrated because she thinks people are speaking too quietly or mumbling? Is she requesting that people repeat themselves? 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 two times as much when one of them is dealing with hearing loss, according to research. They may argue about what one of them may or may not have said, the volume of the TV, or other misconceptions.
When somebody isn’t able to hear, there will be a lot more stress in a household. They get frustrated about their hearing loss. And their refusal to get help is frustrating to others. This leads to lots of hurt feelings and decisions to spend more time apart and alone.
Many couples don’t realize that hearing loss is the cause, and this can harm their relationship irreparably. Even moderate hearing loss can strain a relationship, so it pays to get it checked out.
Simply getting a hearing test can give you a completely new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re dealing with a spouse, sibling, or dear friend. Inspire your loved one to call for an appointment.
If somebody has hearing loss, hearing aids can change their lives and most will say 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 active.
It’s not a comfortable talk to have. But the difficulty of this conversation is worth it when your loved one finally finds the assistance they need.
Call us right away and let us help you with some ideas about how to address your loved one’s hearing loss!
