Denial is a typical first reaction. My loved one must be just making it seem as if their hearing loss is worse than it actually is. She’s not old enough for a hearing aid.
Maybe, it’s become a joke between the two of you. She is always asking you to repeat what you said. It’s only a game. You joke about it. But this game is getting old quickly. You’re starting to believe that perhaps your spouse, sibling, or parent is either dismissing you or actually having difficulty 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 lifestyle even into their senior years.
Here are 4 prevalent signs that someone you know needs a hearing aid.
1. She’s more tired than usual particularly when you go out
Maybe you think that it just ordinarily occurs when you age. Your loved one used to have a lot more energy. You try to relate when she says that she’s not going out tonight.
You really begin to think that something isn’t right when she begins skipping meetings with clubs, organizations, and hobby groups she’s always loved. Loud noise seems to sap your loved one’s energy. This is particularly true if they’re in a situation where there is more than one discussion happening, or there’s lots of background noise.
People who are straining to hear put excessive energy toward comprehending people around them. As a result, energy is transferred from other essential brain functions like physical mobility, memory, and speaking.
Using this additional brainpower doesn’t strengthen the brain; it just makes it tired. In social settings, fatigue will often seem to shut your loved one down.
If you’re not going through the same thing, don’t presume you can relate to what she’s dealing with. Her feelings may be attributable to a number of factors. In order to get to the bottom of the problem, ask her questions and advocate for a hearing exam.
2. She always cranks the TV up really loud
Frequently, you will notice this symptom first. Whenever they listen to music or watch TV, they turn it up very loud.
Your living room sounds like a cinema. You feel like you should have some popcorn, but it’s just your loved one blowing your ears out with the TV. You can even hear it from outside.
When you suggest that the TV is too loud, she may laugh and lower the volume. But it turns out, she turned on closed captions.
Maybe she’s ashamed about it. It’s probably time for you to suggest a hearing test if this is a regular thing.
3. She frequently needs people to repeat what they said
It may not be an issue if you are in a very loud setting or she’s really zoned in on something. But you should pay closer attention if this is happening often.
Furthermore, if she’s straining to hear phone calls you should pay attention.
Is she complaining about people muttering or talking low constantly? Is she asking people to repeat themselves? If so, it’s time to have that loving conversation about how much more enjoyable life is with hearing aids.
4. You’re feeling a rift in the relationship
Researchers have discovered that couples, where one is dealing with hearing loss, have around 50% more arguments. They might argue about what one of them may or may not have said, the volume of the TV, or other misunderstandings.
When someone isn’t able to hear, there will be much more tension in a household. They get frustrated about their hearing loss. Others get frustrated when they won’t go in for help. This often leads to people deciding to spend more time alone due to more hurt feelings.
This can cause permanent damage to the relationship and the couple often doesn’t even realize that hearing loss is the cause. Even moderate hearing loss can strain a relationship, so it pays to get it checked out.
Whether it’s a friend, sibling, or spouse, you can get new perspective on your relationships by getting a simple hearing test. Inspire your loved one to call for an appointment.
Individuals who recognize they need hearing aids and use them say they’d never go back. In fact, they regret they waited so long to get them in the first place. They feel healthier, happier, and more active.
It isn’t a comfortable discussion to have. But when your loved one finally finds the help they need it will all have been worth it.
Call us today and let us help you with some ideas about how to tackle your loved one’s hearing loss!