Most individuals don’t want to talk about the impact hearing loss has on relationships, even though it’s an issue many people deal with. Both partners can feel aggravated by the misunderstandings that are caused by hearing loss.
This is the perfect time for you to show your love and appreciation for your loved one with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. Discussing 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 experiencing cognitive disorders including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease according to some studies. When the region of your brain responsible for hearing becomes less active, it can begin a cascade effect that can affect your entire 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 almost half in people who have healthy hearing compared to people who have hearing loss. People often become stressed and agitated as their hearing loss worsens according to research. This can lead to the person being self isolated from family and friends. As they fall deeper into depression, people who have hearing loss are likely to avoid engaging in the activities they once enjoyed.
This, as a result, can result in relationship strain among mother and son, father and daughter, close friends, spouses, and other people in this person’s life. It’s important to be patient and work together to determine solutions to communication difficulties.
Mystery solved
Your loved one might not be ready to let you know they’re developing hearing loss. They may feel shame and fear. They could be in denial. Deciding when to have the talk could take a little detective work.
Because you can’t hear what your partner or parent hears, you’ll have to depend on external cues, such as:
- Repeated misunderstandings
- Not hearing important sounds, such as the doorbell, dryer buzzer, or someone calling their name
- Agitation or anxiety in social settings that you haven’t previously observed
- School, work, and hobbies are starting to become difficult
- Avoiding conversations
- Avoiding busy places
- Watching TV with the volume very high
- Complaining about buzzing, humming, static, or other noises that you can’t hear
Look for these prevalent symptoms and plan to have a heart-to-heart conversation with your loved one.
What is the best way to talk about hearing loss?
Having this talk may not be easy. A loved one could become defensive and brush it off if they’re in denial. That’s why discussing hearing loss in the right way is so relevant. The steps will be essentially the same but possibly with some small alterations based on your specific relationship situation.
- Step 1: Tell them that you love them without condition and value your relationship.
- Step 2: The state of their health is important to you. You’ve read through the research. You’re aware that a higher risk of depression and dementia comes along with untreated hearing loss. You don’t want your loved one to deal with that.
- Step 3: Your own safety and health are also a worry. Your hearing may be damaged by an overly loud TV. Also, your relationship can be affected, as studies have shown that excessively loud noise can cause anxiety. If you have a burglar in your house or you’ve taken a fall, 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 merely listing facts.
- Step 4: Make an appointment to get a hearing test together. After you make the decision schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Don’t hold off.
- Step 5: Be prepared for objections. You could find these objections at any point in the process. You know this person. What sort of doubts will they have? Money? Time? Doesn’t notice an issue? They may feel that homemade remedies will be just fine. (You know “natural hearing loss cures” don’t actually work and could do more harm than good.)
Be ready with your answers. Even a little rehearsal can’t hurt. These responses need to address your loved one’s Worries but they don’t need to match those listed above word-for-word
Relationship growth
Discussing hearing loss isn’t easy if your significant other isn’t willing to talk about it. Developing a plan to tackle potential communication challenges 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 discussion, you’ll grow closer and get your loved one the help they need to live a longer, healthier, more rewarding 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