It’s a natural response to deny the signs. You might think that your loved one’s hearing loss isn’t as severe as it appears. Maybe they’re not old enough to need a hearing aid, right?
Perhaps you’ve turned it into a running joke between the two of you. They ask you to speak up, and you both laugh it off as a playful game. However, the humor is fading, and you’re beginning to suspect that they’re either ignoring you or genuinely struggling to hear.
You want your loved one to enjoy a fulfilling, vibrant life for years to come. So, it’s time to step up, be supportive, and help them find the right assistance.
Here are four common signs that someone you care about might benefit from a hearing aid:
1. Persistent Fatigue, Especially in Noisy Environments
You might have chalked it up to normal aging – your loved one seems to have less energy these days. They opt to stay in rather than going out, and you try to understand. But then they start skipping gatherings of their favorite hobby groups, organizations, or clubs, even when they’re meeting virtually. Something feels amiss.
Your loved one appears drained in noisy settings, especially if there’s background chatter or overlapping conversations. Hearing difficulties demand extra cognitive effort to understand speech, leaving less energy for other vital brain functions like memory and mobility. Social exhaustion can result, leading to withdrawal.
Even if you don’t personally experience this, it’s important not to assume. Initiate a conversation, ask questions, and encourage a hearing test to get to the root of the issue.
2. Cranked-Up TV and Audio Volume
Often, this is among the earliest signs noticed by others. The TV or music blares at an uncomfortably loud level.
Your living room becomes a mini-theater, and you half-expect the smell of popcorn. But it’s just a reality show or documentary with the volume cranked up so high that even your neighbors could hear it.
When you suggest lowering the volume, your loved one chuckles and obliges. However, you notice that they’ve also turned on the captions. This pattern may point to hearing difficulties that deserve further attention, perhaps a hearing test.
3. Frequent Requests to Repeat or Speak Up
While it’s common in loud environments like concerts or theaters, it’s a red flag if it occurs frequently.
Pay attention if your loved one often seems to struggle when on the phone or constantly accuses others of speaking softly or mumbling. If asking “What?” has become a regular refrain, it’s time for an open conversation about the benefits of hearing aids.
4. Tension in Relationships
Studies show that couples with one member experiencing hearing loss argue twice as much. These disagreements may center around TV volume, misunderstandings, or miscommunications.
Overall household tension rises when hearing loss is present. Frustration stemming from hearing difficulties mixes with exasperation from not seeking help, resulting in hurt feelings and increased isolation.
The relationship’s foundation may erode, often without either party realizing hearing loss’s role. Timely intervention is crucial as even mild hearing loss can strain relationships.
A simple hearing evaluation can bring fresh perspective to your relationship, be it with a partner, sibling, or friend. Discuss the idea of a hearing test with your loved one.
Hearing aids can transform lives, and many users express regret for not acting sooner. Quality of life improves dramatically. While it’s not an easy discussion, the support and help you provide will prove invaluable when your loved one finally receives the assistance they need.
Contact us today for guidance on addressing your loved one’s hearing loss. We’re here to help make the conversation productive and positive.
