You care deeply about your loved ones and want to do something to let them know? Really listen when your loved ones talk to you. That involves, of course, the ability to hear.
According to research, millions of individuals would benefit from wearing hearing aids because one out of three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have some level of hearing loss. Sadly, only about 30% of these people actually wear their hearing aids.
Neglecting your hearing loss results in problems hearing, in addition to higher dementia rates, depression, and strained relationships. Suffering in silence is how many individuals endure their hearing loss.
But spring is right around the corner. It’s a time for new foliage, flowers, new beginnings, and growing together. Talking frankly about hearing loss can be a superb way to renew relationships.
It’s Necessary to Have “The Talk”
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is 2.4 times more likely in people who have neglected hearing loss according to several studies. A cascade effect that ultimately affects the overall brain can be initiated when there’s reduced activity in the region of your brain responsible for hearing. Doctors call this brain atrophy. It’s an example of the “use it or lose it” concept at work.
People with hearing loss have almost two times as many instances of depression than people who have healthy hearing. Research demonstrates that as a person’s hearing loss gets worse, they frequently become stressed and agitated. Separation from friends and family is often the result. They’re prone to stop including themselves in the activities they once enjoyed as they fall deeper into a state of sadness.
Strained relationships between friends and family members is frequently the result of this separation.
Solving The Puzzle
Your loved one may not be ready to let you know that they are suffering from hearing loss. They may be nervous or ashamed. They might be in denial. In order to decide when will be the right time to have this discussion, some detective work might be needed.
Because it’s impossible for you to directly know how impaired your spouse’s hearing loss is, you might have to depend on some of the following indicators:
- Avoiding busy places
- School, hobbies, and work are suddenly becoming harder
- Not hearing important sounds, like the doorbell, dryer buzzer, or somebody calling their name
- Watching TV with the volume really high
- Complaining about ringing, humming, static, or other noises that you don’t hear
- Recurring misunderstandings
- New levels of anxiousness in social settings
- Staying away from conversations
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 discussion may not be easy. You might get the brush off or even a more defensive reaction from a partner in denial. That’s why approaching hearing loss in an appropriate way is so significant. The steps will be the basically same even though you may need to adjust your language based on your distinct relationship.
Step 1: Make them understand that you appreciate your relationship and have unconditional love for them.
Step 2: You are concerned about their health. You’ve read the studies. You know that neglected hearing loss can result in an elevated risk of depression and dementia. You don’t want that for your loved one.
Step 3: You’re also worried about your own health and safety. Your hearing can be damaged by overly loud volumes on the TV and other devices. Additionally, research has shown that elevated noise can lead to anxiety, which may effect your relationship. If somebody has broken into your house, or you call out for help, your loved one may not hear you.
People engage 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: Come to an agreement that it’s time for a hearing test. After making the decision, make the appointment right away. Don’t wait.
Step 5: Be prepared for your loved ones to have some objections. These might happen anywhere in the process. You know this person. What will their objections be? Costs? Time? Are they convinced it’s not a big deal? Do they think they can use homemade remedies? Be aware that these natural remedies don’t help hearing loss and can actually do more harm.
Prepare your counter replies. You might 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
If your significant other is unwilling to talk, it can be a tough situation. But you’ll get your loved one the assistance they require to live a long healthy life and grow closer by having this talk. Isn’t love all about growing together?
References
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing
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
