You care deeply about your loved ones and want to do something to let them know? Truly listen when your loved ones talk to you. That calls for, of course, the ability to hear.

Studies reveal millions of people would benefit from using hearing aids because one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have some degree of hearing loss. Regrettably, only around 30% of these people actually use their hearing aids.

This inaction leads to trouble hearing, in addition to higher dementia rates, depression, and stressed relationships. Many individuals coping with hearing loss just suffer in silence.

But it’s nearly springtime. Spring should be a time when we enjoy blossoming flowers, emerging leaves, beginning new things, and getting closer to loved ones. Talking candidly about hearing loss can be a great way to renew relationships.

Having “The Talk” is Necessary

Studies have found that an person with neglected hearing loss is 2.4 times more likely to experience dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. A cascade effect that ultimately affects the entire brain can be triggered when there’s decreased activity in the region of your brain responsible for hearing. Doctors refer to this as brain atrophy. It’s an example of the “use it or lose it” principle at work.

Depression rates among people with hearing loss are nearly double that of an individual with normal hearing. People with deteriorating hearing loss, according to research, often experience agitation and anxiety. The person may start to isolate themselves from friends and family. They’re prone to stop including themselves in the activities they once enjoyed as they fall deeper into a state of sadness.

Strained relationships between friends and family members is often the result of this separation.

Solving The Puzzle

Your loved one might not be ready to let you know that they are suffering from hearing loss. Fear or shame might be an issue for them. Maybe they’re dealing with 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 need to rely on some of the following indicators:

• Watching TV with the volume extremely high
• Ringing, buzzing, and other sounds that no one else can hear
• Steering clear of settings with lots of people and activity
• Avoiding conversations
• Frequent misunderstandings
• essential sounds, like somebody calling their name, a doorbell, or a warning alarm are frequently missed
• New levels of anxiousness in social settings
• Sudden trouble with work, hobbies, or school

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

How to Talk About Hearing Loss

It might be hard to have this conversation. You may get the brush off or even a more defensive response from a partner in denial. That’s why it’s important to approach hearing loss appropriately. You might need to adjust your language based on your unique relationship, but the steps will be the same for the most part.

Step 1: Let them know that you love them unconditionally and appreciate your relationship.

Step 2: You’re concerned about their health. You’ve gone over the studies. You know that neglected hearing loss can cause an increased chance of dementia and depression. That’s not what you want for your loved one.

Step 3: Your own health and safety are also a concern. An excessively loud television could damage your hearing. Relationships can also be effected by the anxiety loud noises can cause, according to some studies. If somebody has broken into your home, or you yell for help, your loved one might not hear you.

People connect with others by using emotion. Simply 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 have a hearing exam. After deciding, make the appointment right away. Don’t procrastinate.

Step 5: Be ready for your loved ones to have some objections. These could occur anytime during the process. You know this person. What issues will they find? Money? Time? Are they convinced it’s not a big deal? Do they think they can utilize homemade remedies? You know “natural hearing loss cures” don’t actually work and could cause more harm than good.

Prepare your counter responses. You might even practice them in the mirror. You should speak to your loved one’s concerns but you don’t have to use this exact plan word-for-word.

Grow Your Relationship

If your loved one is unwilling to talk, it can be a tough situation. But you’ll get your loved one the assistance they require to live a long healthy life and grow closer by having this conversation. Growing together – isn’t that what love is all about?

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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