You care deeply about your loved ones and want to do something to show them? Listen to your loved ones, truly listen. That involves, of course, the ability to hear.
Studies reveal millions of individuals would benefit from using hearing aids because one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have some amount of hearing loss. Regrettably, only about 30% of these people actually use their hearing aids.
This inaction leads to trouble hearing, in addition to increased dementia rates, depression, and stressed relationships. Many people experiencing hearing loss just suffer in silence.
But spring is right around the corner. Spring should be a time when we enjoy blossoming flowers, emerging foliage, starting new things, and growing closer to loved ones. Isn’t it time to renew your relationship by speaking openly about hearing loss?
It’s Necessary to Have “The Talk”
Studies have found that an person with neglected hearing loss is 2.4 times more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. When the region of your brain responsible for hearing becomes less active, it can begin a cascade effect that can impact your overall brain. This is called “brain atrophy” by doctors. It’s the “use it or lose it” principle in action.
People with hearing loss have almost two times as many cases of depression than people who have normal hearing. People with worsening hearing loss, according to research, often experience anxiety and agitation. Isolation from family and friends is often the result. They’re likely to sink deeper into melancholy as they stop engaging in activities once loved.
Strained relationships between friends and family members is often the result of this separation.
Solving The Puzzle
Your loved one might not feel that they can talk to you about their hearing problems. They could be nervous or ashamed. They could be in denial. In order to decide when will be the right time to have this conversation, some detective work may be necessary.
Because it’s impossible for you to directly know how bad your spouse’s hearing loss is, you may have to rely on some of the following clues:
- Avoiding conversations
- Watching TV with the volume exceedingly high
- New levels of anxiousness in social settings
- Staying away from busy places
- Important sounds, like somebody calling their name, a doorbell, or a warning alarm are often missed
- Complaining about ringing, humming, static, or other sounds that you don’t hear
- Sudden difficulty with work, hobbies, or school
- Recurring misunderstandings
Look for these common symptoms and plan on having a heart-to-heart talk with your loved one.
The Hearing Loss Talk – Here’s How
It might be hard to have this discussion. A partner in denial might brush it off or become defensive. That’s why it’s crucial to approach hearing loss correctly. The steps will be the basically same even though you may have to modify your language based on your distinct relationship.
Step 1: Make them understand that you value your relationship and have unconditional love for them.
Step 2: Their health is important to you and you’re worried. You’ve read the studies. You know that untreated hearing loss can cause an increased chance of dementia and depression. You don’t want that for your loved one.
Step 3: Your own health and safety are also a worry. An overly loud television could harm your hearing. Relationships can also be effected by the anxiety loud sounds can cause, according to some research. If someone has broken into your house, or you call out for help, your loved one might not hear you.
Emotion is a key part of robust communication. If you can paint an emotional picture of what might happen, it’s more impactful than just listing facts.
Step 4: Agree together to schedule an appointment to get a hearing exam. After making the decision, make the appointment right away. Don’t wait.
Step 5: Be ready for your loved ones to have some objections. At any point during the process, they might have these objections. You know this individual. What obstacles will they find? Money? Time? Are they convinced it’s not a big deal? Do they think they can utilize home remedies? You recognize “natural hearing loss cures” don’t actually work and could do more harm than good.
Prepare your counter responses. Perhaps you practice them ahead of time. They don’t have to match those listed above word-for-word, but they should address your loved one’s concerns.
Grow Your Relationship
If your significant other is reluctant to talk, it can be a tough situation. But you’ll get your loved one the help they need to live a long healthy life and grow closer by having this conversation. Isn’t love all about growing closer?
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References
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing#:~:text=About%2028.8%20million%20U.S.%20adults%20could%20benefit%20from%20using%20hearing%20aids.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5403920/
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/news/2014/nidcd-researchers-find-strong-link-between-hearing-loss-and-depression-adults