You care deeply about your loved ones and want to do something to let them know? Listen to your loved ones, truly listen. But you have to be able to hear in order to really listen.

Studies reveal millions of people would benefit from wearing hearing aids because one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have some level of hearing loss. But only 30% of those individuals actually wear hearing aids, unfortunately.

This inaction leads to difficulty hearing, in addition to increased dementia rates, depression, and strained relationships. Suffering in silence is how many people endure their hearing loss.

But it’s nearly springtime. Spring should be a time when we enjoy blossoming flowers, emerging foliage, starting new things, and growing closer to loved ones. Isn’t it time to renew your relationship by talking openly about hearing loss?

It’s Necessary to Have “The Talk”

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is 2.4 times more likely in people who have untreated hearing loss according to many studies. A cascade effect that eventually affects the overall brain can be triggered when there’s reduced activity in the part of your brain used for hearing. This is called “brain atrophy” by doctors. It’s the “use it or lose it” concept in action.

People with hearing loss have nearly twice as many cases of depression than people who have healthy hearing. Research demonstrates that as a person’s hearing loss worsens, they often become stressed and agitated. Isolation from friends and family is often the consequence. They’re likely to sink deeper into melancholy as they stop participating in activities once loved.

Strained relationships between friends and family members is frequently the result of this isolation.

Solving The Mystery

Your loved one may not be ready to reveal that they are suffering from hearing loss. They could be nervous or embarrassed. Maybe they’re going through denial. In order to identify when will be the best time to have this conversation, some detective work might be needed.

Since you can’t hear what your loved one hears, you’ll have to use external cues, including:

• Complaining about ringing, humming, static, or other noises that you can’t hear
• Recurring misunderstandings
• Watching TV with the volume extremely high
• Agitation or anxiousness in social situations that you haven’t previously observed
• School, hobbies, and work are suddenly becoming harder
• Avoiding busy places
• Not hearing imperative sounds, like the doorbell, dryer buzzer, or someone calling their name
• Avoiding conversations

Look for these common signs and plan on having a heart-to-heart talk with your loved one.

How to Talk About Hearing Loss

Having this discussion might not be easy. A partner in denial might brush it off or become defensive. That’s why it’s crucial to approach hearing loss properly. You might need to adjust your language based on your distinct relationship, but the steps will be more or less the same.

Step 1: Make them aware that you appreciate your relationship and have unconditional love for them.

Step 2: Their health is important to you and you’re concerned. You’ve done the research. You know that neglected hearing loss can cause an elevated chance of depression and dementia. You don’t want your loved one to go through that.

Step 3: You’re also worried about your own health and safety. An excessively loud TV could damage your hearing. In addition, research has shown that elevated noise can cause anxiety, which may impact your relationship. If someone has broken into your home, or you yell for help, your loved one may not hear you.

People connect with others through emotion. Merely listing facts won’t be as effective as painting an emotional picture of the possible repercussions.

Step 4: Agree together to make an appointment to get a hearing exam. After making the decision, make the appointment as soon as possible. Don’t procrastinate.

Step 5: Be prepared for your loved ones to have some objections. At any time during the process, they might have these objections. This is someone you know well. What will their objections be? Costs? Time? Do they not acknowledge a problem? Do they think they can use home remedies? Be aware that these natural remedies don’t improve hearing loss and can actually do more harm.

Prepare your counter responses. You could even practice them in the mirror. They don’t have to be those listed above word-for-word, but they should address your loved one’s doubts.

Grow Your Relationship

If your significant other is reluctant to talk, it can be a difficult situation. But by having this discussion, you’ll grow closer and get your loved one the help they need to live a longer, healthier, more fulfilling life. Isn’t love all about growing closer?

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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