Want to show how much you care? Really listen when your loved ones talk to you. But you need to be able to hear in order to really listen.
Research shows one out of three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 is coping with hearing loss and millions would benefit from wearing a hearing aid. But only 30% of those people actually wear hearing aids, unfortunately.
Neglecting your hearing loss results in problems hearing, along with increased dementia rates, depression, and strained relationships. Suffering in silence is how many individuals deal with their hearing loss.
But it’s almost springtime. Spring should be a time when we take pleasure in blossoming flowers, emerging leaves, starting new things, and getting closer to loved ones. Talking candidly about hearing loss can be a great way to renew relationships.
It’s Important to Have “The Talk”
Studies have revealed that an person with neglected hearing loss is 2.4 times more likely to experience dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. A cascade effect that eventually impacts the overall brain can be triggered when there’s reduced activity in the region of your brain used for hearing. This is called “brain atrophy” by doctors. It’s an example of the “use it or lose it” principle at work.
Depression cases among individuals with hearing loss are nearly twice that of someone with healthy hearing. Research reveals that as a person’s hearing loss gets worse, they often become stressed and agitated. The individual might begin to seclude themselves from family and friends. They’re likely to fall deeper into melancholy as they stop engaging in activities once loved.
This, in turn, can lead to strained relationships amongst spouses, but also between parent and child, close friends, and other people in this individual’s life.
Solving The Mystery
Your loved one may not think they can talk to you about their hearing problems. Fear or shame might be a problem for them. They could be in denial. You might need to do a little detective work to decide when it’s time to have the conversation.
Because it’s not possible for you to directly know how impaired your spouse’s hearing loss is, you may have to depend on some of the following indicators:
- Misunderstanding situations more frequently
- Important sounds, like someone calling their name, a doorbell, or a warning alarm are frequently missed
- Avoiding conversations
- Complaining about ringing, humming, static, or other noises that you can’t hear
- Sudden difficulty with work, hobbies, or school
- Cranking the volume way up on the TV
- Irritation or anxiety in social settings that you haven’t previously seen
- Staying away from busy places
Plan on having a heart-to-heart conversation with your loved one if you observe any of these common signs.
How to Talk About Hearing Loss
It might be difficult to have this conversation. You may get the brush off or even a more defensive response from a partner in denial. That’s why approaching hearing loss in an appropriate manner is so important. The steps will be the basically same even though you may have to modify your language based on your individual relationship.
Step 1: Let them know that you love them unconditionally and value your relationship.
Step 2: You’re worried about their health. You’ve done the research. You’re aware of the increased 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 damaged by excessively loud volumes on the TV and other devices. In addition, research has shown that elevated noise can cause anxiety, which may impact your relationship. Your loved one may not hear you calling for help if you’ve fallen down or somebody’s broken into the house.
People connect with others by using emotion. Simply listing facts won’t be as effective as painting an emotional picture of the possible consequences.
Step 4: Come to an understanding that it’s time for a hearing exam. Do it right away after making the decision. Don’t wait.
Step 5: Be prepared for your loved ones to have some objections. These could happen anytime during the process. This is somebody you know well. What issues will they find? Money? Time? Do they not acknowledge a problem? Are they considering trying home remedies? You understand “natural hearing loss cures” don’t actually work and could cause more harm than good.
Be prepared with your answers. Perhaps you rehearse them beforehand. 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 require to live a long healthy life and grow closer by having this talk. 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
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
