Denial is a typical first response. Surely, my loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as advanced as it seems. She’s not old enough for a hearing aid.
It’s possible, the two of you have begun to kid around with one another about it. She is always requesting that you repeat what you said. You laugh about it like it’s just a game. But it’s beginning to become less and less funny. You question whether she’s simply ignoring you or if she may actually be having some legit hearing trouble.
It’s time to be supportive and make certain your loved one receives the care they need to continue to live a happy, healthy, active life even into their older age.
If somebody you know needs hearing aids they will probably be exhibiting these 4 prevalent symptoms.
1. She’s more tired than usual especially when you go out
Maybe you believe that it just normally occurs when you age. Your loved one used to have a lot more energy. When she says she just doesn’t feel like going out tonight, you try to understand.
You really begin to think that something isn’t right when she starts missing meetings with clubs, organizations, and hobby groups she’s always enjoyed. Your loved one’s energy seems to be depleted by loud settings. This is particularly true if they’re in a situation where there is more than one discussion going on, or there’s lots of background noise.
Extra energy is needed to hear and comprehend what people are saying when somebody is coping with hearing issues. They frequently have to draw this energy from other brain functions such as memory, talking, and moving.
This use of additional energy is actually fatiguing the brain not strengthening it. Your loved one will frequently seem to shut down with fatigue in social situations.
If you aren’t going through the same thing, don’t assume you can relate to what she’s going through. Her feelings may be due to numerous factors. But ask questions. Get to the root cause and recommend that she get a hearing test.
2. She watches the TV LOUD
This is frequently one of the first signs that you might notice in another person. Whenever they play music or watch TV, they turn it up very loud.
You walk into the room, and it sounds like you’ve just entered a movie theater. You feel like you should make some popcorn, but it’s just your loved one blowing your ears out with the TV. Your neighbors can even hear it.
When you say that the TV is too loud, she may laugh and turn it down. But actually, she turned on closed captions.
Maybe she’s ashamed about it. It’s probably time for you to suggest a hearing test if this is a regular thing.
3. She frequently needs people to repeat themselves
If you’re in a really loud environment like a concert or theater or she’s really concentrated on a movie, then it might be nothing. But you should pay closer attention if this is occurring often.
Likewise, pay attention if she seems to have a lot of trouble hearing when she’s on the phone.
Is she always aggravated because she thinks people are speaking too quietly or mumbling? Does she regularly need people to repeat what they said? If so, it’s time to have that loving conversation about how much better life is with hearing aids.
4. You’re feeling a tension in the relationship
Couples argue twice as much when one of them is dealing with hearing loss, according to research. These quarrels might be about TV volume, misunderstandings, or what one says the other person may or may not have said.
When somebody isn’t able to hear, there will be much more tension in a household. Their hearing loss is frustrating. Others get frustrated when they won’t get help. This often results in people deciding to spend more time apart because of more hurt feelings.
This can lead to irreversible harm to the relationship and the couple frequently doesn’t even realize that hearing loss is the cause. 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 dealing with a spouse, sibling, or dear friend. Speak with your loved one about getting a hearing test.
If someone has hearing loss, hearing aids can improve their lives and most will say they would never go back. Usually, they wish they wouldn’t have waited so long. They feel healthier, happier, and more active.
It can be a challenging talk to have. But the challenge of this discussion is worth it when your loved one finally gets 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!