It’s something a lot of individuals cope with, but few want to talk about – hearing loss and its impact on personal relationships. Hearing loss can cause communication obstacles that result in misunderstandings and frustration for both partners.
This is the perfect time for you to express your love and appreciation for your loved one with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. Talking about hearing loss together is a great way to do this.
Having “the talk”
Studies have found that an individual with untreated hearing loss is 2.4 times more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. A cascade effect that will eventually affect the entire brain will be initiated when the region of your brain responsible for hearing becomes less active. Doctors call this brain atrophy. It’s the “use it or lose it” principle in action.
Depression rates are nearly half in individuals who have normal hearing compared to those who have hearing loss. Studies have shown that as a person’s hearing loss worsens, they frequently become stressed and agitated. The person may begin to isolate themselves from friends and family. They are also likely to avoid involving themselves in the activities they used to enjoy as they fall deeper into a state of depression.
This, in turn, can result in relationship stress among mother and son, daughter and father, 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
Someone who is experiencing hearing loss might not be ready to discuss it. They may be afraid or embarrassed. They may be in denial. Deciding when to have the talk could take a bit of detective work.
Here are a few outward clues you will have to depend on because you can’t hear what other people are hearing:
- Avoiding conversations
- Sudden difficulty with work, hobbies, or school
- Turning the volume way up on your TV
- Avoiding busy places
- Repeated misunderstandings
- Complaining about ringing, humming, static, or other noises that you can’t hear
- Agitation or anxiety in social settings that you haven’t previously observed
- Failing to hear alarms, doorbells, and other important sounds
Watch for these common symptoms and plan to have a heart-to-heart chat with your loved one.
How to discuss hearing loss
This talk might not be an easy one to have. A loved one might become defensive and brush it off if they’re in denial. That’s why it’s important to discuss hearing loss in a sensitive and appropriate way. The steps will be basically the same but maybe with some small alterations based on your particular relationship situation.
- Step 1: Tell them that you love them unconditionally and value your relationship.
- Step 2: You are worried about their health. You’ve read the studies. You’re aware that an increased risk of depression and dementia comes along with untreated hearing loss. You don’t want that for your loved one.
- Step 3: Your own safety and health are also a worry. Your hearing could be harmed by an excessively loud TV. In addition, research shows that increased noise can create anxiety, which may impact your relationship. Your loved one might not hear you calling for help if you have a fall or somebody’s broken into the house. People relate to others through emotion. Merely listing facts won’t be as impactful as painting an emotional picture.
- Step 4: Decide together to schedule an appointment to get a hearing assessment. Do it immediately after making the decision. Don’t wait.
- Step 5: Be ready for opposition. You could find these oppositions at any point in the process. You know this person. What kind of objections will they have? Money? Time? Doesn’t see an issue? They might feel that home remedies will be good enough. (You’re aware that “natural hearing loss cures” don’t really work and could do more harm than good.)
Be prepared with your responses. You may even practice them in the mirror. These answers need to address your loved one’s Worries but they don’t need to match those listed above word-for-word
Relationship growth
If your spouse is unwilling to talk about their hearing loss, it can be challenging. Establishing a plan to tackle potential communication problems and the effect hearing loss can have on your relationship will help both partners have confidence that their concerns will be heard and understood. In this way, your relationship will get stronger and your partner will take steps to live a longer, healthier life. And relationships are, after all, about growing together.
References
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing#
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults