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.
It’s possible, the both of you have started to joke around with each other about it. Your loved one constantly asks you to repeat yourself. You laugh about it like it’s simply a game. But it’s starting to become less and less humorous. You’re starting to believe that maybe your partner, sibling, or parent is either ignoring you or really having trouble hearing.
It’s time to be supportive and make certain your loved one gets the care they need to continue to live a happy, healthy, active life well into their senior years.
If someone you know needs hearing aids they will most likely be exhibiting these 4 prevalent signs.
1. She’s more drained than usual particularly when you go out
You may believe it’s just an indication of aging. Your loved one used to have much more energy. When she says she isn’t feeling like going out tonight, you try to understand.
Then she begins skipping meetings with a hobby group, organization, or club that she’s always enjoyed, even when they get together virtually, and you begin to recognize something could be wrong. Your loved one’s energy seems to be depleted by loud environments. If there is lots of background noise, or if more than one conversation is taking place at the same time, this is particularly true.
Individuals who are struggling to hear put excess energy toward comprehending people around them. They frequently have to draw this energy from other functions in the brain such as memory, speaking, and moving.
Utilizing this additional brainpower doesn’t strengthen the brain; it just makes it tired. In social settings, exhaustion will often seem to shut your loved one down.
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 issue, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing test.
2. She always cranks the TV up too loud
This is often one of the first indications that you might notice in another person. They can’t seem to watch TV or play music at a healthy volume.
You walk into the room, and it sounds like you’ve just entered 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 can even hear it.
When you suggest that the TV is too loud, she might chuckle and lower the volume. But actually, she turned closed captions on.
She might not want to acknowledge that she really can’t hear the TV. It’s probably time for you to suggest a hearing test if this is a regular thing.
3. She says, “What?”… a lot
If you’re in a really loud setting like a concert or theater or she’s really focused on a movie, then it might be nothing. But you should pay closer attention if this is happening often.
Furthermore, if she’s straining to hear phone calls you should take note.
Is she griping about people mumbling or low-talking constantly? Does she frequently 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. Your relationship is feeling strained
Researchers have found that couples, where one is dealing with hearing loss, have around 50% more quarrels. These arguments may center around TV volume, misunderstandings, or what one says the other person did or didn’t say.
When somebody can’t hear, there will be a lot more tension in a household. They get aggravated about their hearing loss. Others get frustrated when they won’t get help. This frequently results in people choosing to spend more time alone due to more hurt feelings.
This can cause permanent harm to the relationship and the couple often doesn’t even recognize that hearing loss is the reason. 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. Encourage your loved one to call for an appointment.
People who recognize they need hearing aids and wear them say they’d never go back. Normally, they wish they wouldn’t have waited so long. They feel healthier, happier, and more active.
It can be a difficult talk 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 handle your loved one’s hearing loss? Call us today!