The majority of individuals don’t want to discuss the effect hearing loss has on relationships, even though it’s an issue many people cope with. Both partners can feel aggravated by the misunderstandings that are caused by hearing loss.
This is the ideal time for you to express your love and appreciation for your loved one with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. Talking about hearing loss together is a great way to do this.
Having “the talk”
A person with untreated hearing loss has a 2.4 times more likely risk of developing cognitive disorders including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease according to some studies. When the part of your brain used for hearing becomes less engaged, it can start a cascade effect that can affect your whole brain. This is referred to as brain atrophy by doctors. You remember how the old saying goes, “use it or lose it”.
Depression rates are nearly half in people who have healthy hearing compared to people who have hearing loss. People frequently become stressed and agitated as their hearing loss worsens according to research. The individual could begin to seclude themselves from family and friends. They are also likely to stop getting involved in the activities they used to enjoy as they sink deeper into a state of depression.
This, as a result, can lead to relationship strain among mother and son, father and daughter, close friends, spouses, and other people in this person’s life. It’s essential to be patient and work together to find solutions to communication difficulties.
Mystery solved
Your loved one may not be ready to tell you they are experiencing hearing loss. They might be afraid or embarrassed. Denial may have set in. You might need to do a bit of detective work to determine when it’s time to have the talk.
Since you can’t hear what your spouse or parent hears, you’ll have to rely on outward cues, such as:
- Frequent misunderstandings
- Failing to hear alarms, doorbells, and other important sounds
- Complaining about buzzing, humming, static, or other sounds that you can’t hear
- Starting to notice anxiety and agitation in social situations
- Avoiding busy places
- Sudden difficulty with work, hobbies, or school
- Watching television with the volume very high
- Avoiding conversations
Plan on having a heart-to-heart discussion with your loved one if you detect any of these symptoms.
What is the best way to talk about hearing loss?
Having this talk might not be easy. A loved one may become defensive and brush it off if they’re in denial. That’s why it’s essential to approach hearing loss in a sensitive and appropriate way. The steps will be pretty much the same but possibly with some slight modifications based on your particular relationship situation.
- Step 1: Tell them how much you love them unconditionally and how much you appreciate your relationship.
- Step 2: You are worried about their health. You’ve seen the research. You’re aware that neglected hearing loss can lead to an increased risk of dementia and depression. You don’t want that for your loved one.
- Step 3: You’re also worried about your own safety and health. An excessively loud TV could damage your hearing. Also, your relationship can be affected, as studies have revealed that excessively loud noise can trigger anxiety. If you have a burglar in your house or you’ve fallen down, your partner may not hear you calling for help. People connect with others through emotion. If you can paint an emotional picture of the what-ifs, it’s more impactful than simply listing facts.
- Step 4: Agree together to schedule an appointment to get a hearing test. Do it right away after making the decision. Don’t wait.
- Step 5: There may be some opposition so be prepared. These could occur at any time in the process. This is a person you know well. What kind of objections will they have? Will it be lack of time, or money? Possibly they don’t see that it’s a problem. Do they believe they can use do-it-yourself methods? (“Natural hearing loss remedies” aren’t effective and can even be harmful.)
Be prepared with your responses. You may even rehearse them in the mirror. They don’t have to match those listed above word-for-word, but they should concentrate on your loved one’s worries.
Relationship growth
Discussing hearing loss isn’t easy if your partner doesn’t want to talk about it. Establishing a plan to tackle potential communication problems and the impact hearing loss can have on your relationship will help both partners have confidence that their worries will be heard and understood. By having this conversation, you’ll grow closer and get your partner the help they need to live a longer, healthier, more fulfilling life. Growing together – isn’t that what love is all about?
References
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing#
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults