You care deeply about your loved ones and want to do something to show them? Listen to your loved ones, truly listen. That requires, of course, the ability to hear.
Research reveals one out of three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 is experiencing hearing loss and millions would benefit from wearing a hearing aid. Sadly, only around 30% of these individuals actually use their hearing aids.
This inaction leads to trouble hearing, along with higher dementia rates, depression, and strained relationships. Suffering in silence is how many individuals deal with their hearing loss.
But it’s nearly springtime. It’s a time for emerging leaves, flowers, new beginnings, and growing closer. Isn’t it time to renew your relationship by speaking openly about hearing loss?
Having “The Talk” is Important
Studies have revealed that an individual with neglected hearing loss is 2.4 times more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. A cascade effect that eventually impacts the entire brain can be triggered when there’s diminished activity in the region of your brain used for hearing. Doctors refer to this as brain atrophy. It’s the “use it or lose it” concept in action.
People with hearing loss have almost twice as many instances of depression than people who have normal hearing. Research demonstrates that as a person’s hearing loss gets worse, they often become stressed and agitated. The person may start to seclude themselves from family and friends. They’re likely to sink deeper into depression as they stop participating in activities once loved.
Strained relationships between friends and family members is frequently the result of this isolation.
Solving The Puzzle
Your loved one may not think they can talk to you about their hearing issues. Fear or shame may be an issue for them. Maybe they’re dealing with denial. You might need to do a little detective work to decide when it’s time to initiate the conversation.
Since you can’t hear what your loved one hears, you’ll have to depend on external cues, such as:
- Not hearing important sounds, like the doorbell, washer buzzer, or someone calling their name
- Staying away from busy places
- Avoiding conversations
- Irritation or anxiousness in social settings that you haven’t previously seen
- Recurring misunderstandings
- Sudden trouble with work, hobbies, or school
- Turning the volume way up on the TV
- Experiencing a ringing, humming, static, or other noises that you don’t hear
Plan to have a heart-to-heart talk with your loved one if you detect any of these common signs.
The Hearing Loss Talk – Here’s How
It might be difficult to have this talk. A partner in denial might brush it off or become defensive. That’s why it’s essential to approach hearing loss properly. The steps will be the basically same although you may have to adjust your language based on your distinct relationship.
Step 1: Tell them you love them unconditionally and value your relationship.
Step 2: Their health is important to you and you’re worried. 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 your loved one to deal with that.
Step 3: You’re also concerned about your own health and safety. Your hearing can be harmed by excessively loud volumes on the TV and other devices. Relationships can also be impacted by the anxiety loud noises can cause, according to some research. If somebody has broken into your home, or you call out for help, your loved one may not hear you.
Emotion is an essential part of robust communication. If you can paint an emotional picture of the what-ifs, it’s more impactful than just listing facts.
Step 4: Agree together to schedule an appointment to get a hearing exam. Do it immediately after deciding. Don’t wait.
Step 5: Be ready for your loved ones to have some objections. These might happen anywhere in the process. This is someone you know well. What will their objections be? Money? Time? Do they not see a problem? Do they think they can utilize homemade remedies? Be aware that these natural remedies don’t benefit hearing loss and can actually do more harm.
Prepare your counter responses. You may even practice them in the mirror. You should speak to your loved one’s doubts but you don’t have to use this exact plan word-for-word.
Grow Your Relationship
If your significant other is reluctant to talk, it can be a difficult situation. But by having this conversation, you’ll grow closer and get your loved one the help they need to live a longer, healthier, more rewarding life. Growing closer – 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#:~: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