Want to show how much you care? Truly listen when your loved ones talk to you. But you need to be able to hear in order to really listen.
Research demonstrates one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 is suffering from hearing loss and millions would benefit from wearing a hearing aid. Sadly, only about 30% of these people actually use their hearing aids.
Neglecting your hearing loss results in problems hearing, in addition to higher dementia rates, depression, and stressed relationships. Many individuals experiencing hearing loss simply suffer in silence.
But it’s nearly springtime. Spring should be a time when we take pleasure in blossoming flowers, emerging leaves, beginning new things, and growing closer to loved ones. Isn’t it time to renew your relationship by speaking openly about hearing loss?
It’s Necessary to Have “The Talk”
Studies have revealed that an individual with untreated hearing loss is 2.4 times more likely to experience dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. When the part of your brain responsible for hearing becomes less engaged, it can start a cascade effect that can impact your entire brain. This is referred to as “brain atrophy” by doctors. It’s the “use it or lose it” principle in action.
Depression rates amongst those with hearing loss are almost double that of somebody with healthy hearing. People who have deteriorating hearing loss, according to research, often experience anxiety and agitation. Isolation from family and friends is frequently the consequence. They’re likely to stop involving themselves in the activities they once enjoyed as they fall deeper into a state of depression.
Strained relationships between friends and family members is frequently the result of this isolation.
Solving The Mystery
Your loved one might not be ready to reveal that they are developing hearing loss. Fear or embarrassment may be an issue for them. They could be in denial. You may need to do some detective work to determine when it’s time to have the conversation.
Because it’s not possible for you to directly know how bad your spouse’s hearing loss is, you may have to depend on some of the following indicators:
- Complaining about ringing, humming, static, or other sounds that you don’t hear
- Sudden trouble with work, hobbies, or school
- Staying away from conversations
- New levels of anxiousness in social settings
- Turning the volume way up on the TV
- Avoiding busy places
- Important sounds, like somebody calling their name, a doorbell, or a warning alarm are frequently missed
- Misunderstanding situations more frequently
Plan to have a heart-to-heart talk with your loved one if you observe any of these common symptoms.
The Hearing Loss Talk – Here’s How
Having this discussion may not be easy. You might get the brush off or even a more defensive response from a partner in denial. That’s why approaching hearing loss in the proper manner is so important. You might need to modify your language based on your unique relationship, but the steps will be more or less the same.
Step 1: Let them know that you love them unconditionally and appreciate your relationship.
Step 2: Their health is important to you and you’re concerned. You’ve done the research. You’re aware of the higher dementia risk and depression that come with neglected hearing loss. You don’t want that for your loved one.
Step 3: You’re also concerned about your own health and safety. Your hearing can be damaged by excessively high volumes on the TV and other devices. Additionally, studies show that elevated noise can create anxiety, which might impact your relationship. If someone has broken into your home, or you yell for help, your loved one may not hear you.
Emotion is a key part of robust communication. If you can paint an emotional picture of the what-ifs, it’s more impactful than simply listing facts.
Step 4: Agree together to schedule an appointment to have a hearing exam. After deciding, make the appointment right away. Don’t wait.
Step 5: Be prepared for your loved ones to have some objections. At any time in the process, they might have these objections. This is someone you know well. What will they object to? Money? Time? Do they not see a problem? Do they think they can use homemade remedies? You understand “natural hearing loss cures” don’t actually work and could cause more harm than good.
Prepare your counter responses. Perhaps you practice them ahead of time. They don’t have to match those listed above word-for-word, but they should answer your loved one’s doubts.
Grow Your Relationship
Talking about hearing loss isn’t easy if your loved one isn’t willing to discuss it. But you’ll get your loved one the assistance they need to live a long healthy life and grow closer by having this conversation. Growing together – isn’t that what love is all about?
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