You care deeply about your loved ones and want to do something to let them know? Listen to your loved ones, really listen. But you need to be able to hear in order to really listen.
According to research, millions of people would benefit from wearing hearing aids because one out of three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have some amount of hearing loss. Regrettably, only around 30% of these individuals actually wear their hearing aids.
This inaction results in trouble hearing, as well as increased dementia rates, depression, and strained relationships. Suffering in silence is how many individuals endure their hearing loss.
But spring is almost here. Spring should be a time when we enjoy blossoming flowers, emerging leaves, starting new things, and growing closer to loved ones. Isn’t it time to renew your relationship by speaking openly about hearing loss?
Having “The Talk” is Necessary
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is 2.4 times more likely in people who have neglected hearing loss according to many studies. When the part of your brain used for hearing becomes less engaged, it can initiate a cascade effect that can impact your entire brain. Doctors refer to this as brain atrophy. It’s an example of the “use it or lose it” concept at work.
Depression rates amongst individuals with hearing loss are nearly twice that of a person with healthy hearing. People who have worsening hearing loss, according to research, frequently experience agitation and anxiety. Isolation from friends and family is frequently 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 frequently the result of this isolation.
Solving The Puzzle
Your loved one might not be ready to reveal that they are suffering from hearing loss. They may be afraid or ashamed. Maybe they’re dealing with denial. In order to determine when will be the right time to have this discussion, some detective work may be needed.
Because it’s not possible for you to directly know how impaired your spouse’s hearing loss is, you might need to rely on some of the following clues:
- Misunderstanding situations more often
- Steering clear of places with lots of people and activity
- Staying away from conversations
- Irritation or anxiousness in social situations that you haven’t previously noticed
- Not hearing imperative sounds, like the doorbell, washer buzzer, or somebody calling their name
- School, hobbies, and work are suddenly becoming more difficult
- Experiencing a ringing, humming, static, or other sounds that you don’t hear
- Watching TV with the volume extremely high
Look for these common signs and plan to have a heart-to-heart conversation with your loved one.
How to Talk About Hearing Loss
Having this conversation might not be easy. A companion in denial may brush it off or become defensive. That’s why approaching hearing loss in an appropriate manner is so important. You may need to modify your language based on your individual relationship, but the steps will be the same for the most part.
Step 1: Let them know that you love them unconditionally and value your relationship.
Step 2: You’re worried about their health. You’ve done the research. You know that neglected hearing loss can result in an increased risk of dementia and depression. You don’t want that for your loved one.
Step 3: You’re also worried about your own health and safety. An overly loud TV could damage your hearing. In addition, studies show that loud noise can cause anxiety, which might effect your relationship. If somebody has broken into your home, or you call out for help, your loved one might not hear you.
Emotion is a key part of effective communication. If you can paint an emotional picture of what might happen, it’s more effective than merely listing facts.
Step 4: Agree together to make an appointment to have a hearing exam. After making the decision, make the appointment immediately. Don’t wait.
Step 5: Be ready for objections. These could occur anywhere in the process. You know this person. What issues will they find? Costs? Time? Do they not see a problem? Do they think they can use home remedies? You understand “natural hearing loss cures” don’t really work and could cause more harm than good.
Be ready with your answers. You may even rehearse them in the mirror. They don’t have to be those listed above word-for-word, but they should address your loved one’s concerns.
Grow Your Relationship
Talking about hearing loss isn’t easy if your significant other isn’t willing to consider it. But by having this talk, you’ll grow closer and get your loved one the help they need to live a longer, healthier, more satisfying life. Isn’t love all about growing closer?
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