Denial is a typical first response. My loved one must be simply making it seem like their hearing loss is more severe than it actually is. She’s not old enough for a hearing aid.
Maybe, the two of you have started to joke around with one another about it. She is always asking you to repeat what you said. You joke about it as if it’s simply a game. But this game is getting old quickly. You wonder if she’s simply disregarding you or if she may actually be having some legit hearing trouble.
You want your loved one to have a balanced, energetic, and joyful life for years to come so it’s likely time to be encouraging and help them seek out the correct help.
Here are 4 common indications that somebody you know needs a hearing aid.
1. She’s more drained than normal particularly when you go out
Maybe you believe that it just ordinarily occurs when you age. Your loved one just doesn’t have as much energy as they used to. You try to understand when she says that won’t be going out tonight.
You really begin to think that something isn’t right when she begins skipping meetings with clubs, organizations, and hobby groups she’s always enjoyed. Your loved one’s energy seems to be exhausted by loud environments. This is particularly true if they are in a situation where there is more than one conversation going on, or there’s lots of background noise.
Additional energy is needed to hear and comprehend what people are saying when someone is coping with hearing issues. As a result, energy is transferred from other important brain functions like physical movement, memory, and speaking.
Using this extra brainpower doesn’t strengthen the brain; it just tires it out. Your loved one will frequently seem to shut down with exhaustion in social settings.
Don’t assume you know what she’s dealing with. It may be a combination of things. In order to get to the bottom of the problem, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing assessment.
2. She likes the TV LOUD
Frequently, you will notice this symptom first. They can’t seem to watch TV or listen to music at a normal volume.
Your living room sounds like a cinema. You instantly get the impulse to make some popcorn, except you find that she’s just watching a reality show or documentary at a volume that almost makes you cringe. You can even hear it from outside.
When you say that the TV is too loud, she might chuckle and turn it down. Then you notice that she just turned on the captions.
She might not want to admit that she actually can’t hear the TV. If this is happening a lot, it may be time for you to recommend a hearing exam.
3. She often needs people to repeat themselves
If you’re in a really loud environment like a concert or theater or she’s really focused on a movie, then it may be nothing. If it’s happening more frequently than that, be aware.
Similarly, pay attention if she seems to have a lot of difficulty hearing when she’s using the phone.
Is she constantly aggravated because she thinks people are speaking too low or muttering? Does she frequently need people to repeat what they said? If so, it’s time to have that loving conversation about how much more enjoyable life is with hearing aids.
4. You’re feeling a tension in the relationship
Researchers have found that couples, where one is dealing with hearing loss, have about 50% more arguments. They might argue about what one of them may or may not have said, the volume of the TV, or other misunderstandings.
When someone isn’t able to hear, there will be much more tension in a household. They get aggravated about their hearing loss. And their refusal to seek out help is frustrating to others. This often results in people choosing to spend more time alone because of more hurt feelings.
This can lead to permanent damage 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 exam can give you a totally new perspective on your relationship, whether you’re talking about a spouse, sibling, or dear friend. Talk to your loved one about getting their hearing assessed.
If someone has hearing loss, hearing aids can change their lives and most will say they would never go back. Typically, they wish they would have done it sooner. Their overall quality of life will be greatly improved.
It’s not a comfortable conversation to have. But when your loved one finally finds the help they require it will all have been worth it.
Call us today and let us help you with some ideas about how to tackle your loved one’s hearing loss!