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.
According to research, millions of individuals would benefit from wearing hearing aids because one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have some degree of hearing loss. But only 30% of those people actually wear hearing aids, regrettably.
This inaction leads to problems hearing, along with increased dementia rates, depression, and strained relationships. Suffering in silence is how many individuals endure their hearing loss.
But spring is almost here. Spring should be a time when we take pleasure in blossoming flowers, emerging leaves, starting new things, and growing closer to loved ones. Talking candidly about hearing loss can be a superb way to renew relationships.
It’s Necessary to Have “The Talk”
Studies have revealed that an individual with neglected hearing loss is 2.4 times more likely to experience dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. A cascade effect that eventually impacts the entire brain can be triggered when there’s reduced activity in the part of your brain responsible for hearing. This is called “brain atrophy” by doctors. It’s the “use it or lose it” concept in action.
Individuals with hearing loss have nearly two times as many cases of depression than individuals who have normal hearing. People with deteriorating hearing loss, according to research, often experience anxiety and agitation. Isolation from family and friends is frequently the result. They’re likely to sink deeper into depression as they stop engaging in activities once loved.
This, in turn, can result in relationship strain among spouses, but also between parent and child, close friends, and other people in this person’s life.
Solving The Puzzle
Your loved one might not be ready to tell you that they are suffering from hearing loss. Fear or embarrassment may be an issue for them. They could be in denial. You may need to do a little detective work to determine when it’s time to have the conversation.
Since you can’t hear what your loved one hears, you’ll have to depend on outward cues, like:
- Sudden trouble with work, hobbies, or school
- Recurring misunderstandings
- Avoiding busy places
- New levels of anxiety in social settings
- Ringing, buzzing, and other noises that no one else hears
- Not hearing vital sounds, like the doorbell, washer buzzer, or somebody calling their name
- Avoiding conversations
- Turning the volume way up on the TV
Watch for for these common symptoms and plan to have a heart-to-heart talk with your loved one.
How to Talk About Hearing Loss
Having this discussion may not be easy. You may get the brush off or even a more defensive reaction from a partner in denial. That’s why approaching hearing loss in the proper manner is so significant. You may need to modify your language based on your unique relationship, but the steps will be the same for the most part.
Step 1: Make them understand that you appreciate your relationship and have unconditional love for them.
Step 2: You are concerned about their health. You’ve gone over the studies. You know that untreated hearing loss can lead to a higher chance of depression and dementia. You don’t want that for your loved one.
Step 3: You’re also concerned about your own health and safety. An overly loud TV could damage your hearing. Relationships can also be impacted by the anxiety loud noises can cause, according to some research. If someone has broken into your house, or you call out for help, your loved one may not hear you.
Emotion is a key part of robust communication. Simply listing facts won’t be as effective as painting an emotional picture of the possible repercussions.
Step 4: Come to an understanding that it’s time for a hearing assessment. After making the decision, make the appointment right away. Don’t procrastinate.
Step 5: Be ready for objections. At any time during the process, they may have these objections. This is somebody you know well. What will their objections be? Costs? Time? Are they convinced it’s no big deal? Are they considering trying home remedies? Be aware that these natural remedies don’t benefit hearing loss and can actually do more harm.
Be prepared with your answers. Perhaps you rehearse them ahead of time. 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 reluctant to talk, it can be a difficult situation. But you’ll get your loved one the assistance they need to live a long healthy life and grow closer by having this discussion. 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