Want to show how much you care? Listen to your loved ones, really listen. That involves, of course, the ability to hear.
According to research, millions of individuals would benefit from using hearing aids because one out of three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have some degree of hearing loss. Regrettably, only around 30% of these individuals actually use their hearing aids.
Diminishing hearing, depression, higher instances of dementia, and strained relationships are some outcomes of this inaction. Suffering in silence is how many people deal with their hearing loss.
But spring is right around the corner. It’s a time for new foliage, flowers, fresh starts, and growing together. Isn’t it time to renew your relationship by speaking openly about hearing loss?
It’s Important to Have “The Talk”
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is 2.4 times more likely in people who have untreated hearing loss according to several studies. A cascade effect that eventually affects the overall brain can be triggered when there’s diminished 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 nearly twice as many cases of depression than people who have normal hearing. Research reveals that as a person’s hearing loss gets worse, they often become anxious and agitated. Separation from friends and family is frequently the consequence. They’re likely to fall deeper into depression as they stop participating in activities once loved.
This, in turn, can lead to strained relationships among spouses, but also between parent and child, close friends, and other people in this individual’s life.
Solving The Puzzle
Your loved one may not think they can talk to you about their hearing issues. Fear or shame could be an issue for them. Perhaps they’re going through denial. In order to identify when will be the best time to have this discussion, some detective work might be needed.
Since you are unable to hear what your spouse or parent hears, you’ll have to depend on outward cues, such as:
- Cranking the volume way up on the TV
- Sudden trouble with work, hobbies, or school
- Important sounds, like somebody calling their name, a doorbell, or a warning alarm are frequently missed
- Complaining about ringing, humming, static, or other noises that you don’t hear
- Recurring misunderstandings
- Avoiding busy places
- New levels of anxiousness in social settings
- Avoiding conversations
Look for these common signs and plan to have a heart-to-heart conversation with your loved one.
The Hearing Loss Talk – Here’s How
Having this conversation might not be easy. A partner in denial might brush it off or become defensive. That’s why it’s essential to approach hearing loss appropriately. The steps will be the basically same even though you might have to modify your language based on your unique relationship.
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 worried. You’ve read the studies. You’re aware of the higher dementia risk and depression that come with untreated hearing loss. You don’t want that for your loved one.
Step 3: You’re also concerned about your own health and safety. An overly loud television could damage your hearing. 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 yell for help, your loved one may not hear you.
People connect with others by using emotion. If you can paint an emotional picture of what might happen, it’s more effective than merely listing facts.
Step 4: Agree together to make an appointment to get a hearing exam. Do it immediately after deciding. Don’t procrastinate.
Step 5: Be prepared for objections. These could occur anytime during the process. This is somebody you know well. What obstacles will they find? Money? Time? Do they not admit to a problem? Are they considering trying out home remedies? You recognize “natural hearing loss cures” don’t really work and could cause more harm than good.
Be prepared with your responses. You could even practice them in the mirror. They don’t have to match those listed above word-for-word, but they should speak to your loved one’s doubts.
Grow Your Relationship
If your loved one is unwilling to talk, it can be a tricky 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 satisfying life. 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#:~: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