Want to show how much you care? Truly listen when your loved ones talk to you. But you need to be able to hear in order to really listen.
Studies reveal millions of individuals would benefit from using hearing aids because one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have some level of hearing loss. Sadly, only around 30% of these people actually use their hearing aids.
This inaction leads to problems hearing, as well as increased dementia rates, depression, and strained relationships. Many people experiencing hearing loss just suffer in silence.
But it’s nearly springtime. Spring should be a time when we enjoy blossoming flowers, emerging foliage, starting new things, and growing closer to loved ones. Talking frankly about hearing loss can be a great way to renew relationships.
It’s Necessary to Have “The Talk”
Studies have found that an person with untreated hearing loss is 2.4 times more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. When the region of your brain responsible for hearing becomes less active, it can begin a cascade effect that can affect your entire brain. This is referred to as “brain atrophy” by doctors. It’s the “use it or lose it” concept in action.
People with hearing loss have nearly twice as many cases of depression than individuals who have normal hearing. Individuals with deteriorating hearing loss, according to research, often experience agitation and anxiety. The individual might begin to seclude themselves from friends and family. They’re prone to stop involving themselves in the activities they once enjoyed as they sink deeper into a state of depression.
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 be ready to tell you that they are developing hearing loss. They might be afraid or ashamed. They might be in denial. In order to decide when will be the best time to have this discussion, some detective work might be necessary.
Since you are unable to hear what your loved one hears, you’ll have to use outward cues, like:
- Cranking the volume way up on the TV
- Not hearing imperative sounds, like the doorbell, dryer buzzer, or somebody calling their name
- Steering clear of settings with lots of activity and people
- Sudden trouble with work, hobbies, or school
- Irritation or anxiety in social situations that you haven’t previously seen
- Misunderstanding situations more frequently
- Ringing, buzzing, and other noises that no one else can hear
- Avoiding conversations
Plan to have a heart-to-heart conversation with your loved one if you notice any of these common signs.
The Hearing Loss Talk – Here’s How
It might be hard to have this talk. You may get the brush off or even a more defensive response from a partner in denial. That’s why approaching hearing loss in the proper manner is so important. The steps will be the basically same even though you might have to adjust your language based on your unique relationship.
Step 1: Tell them you love them unconditionally and value your relationship.
Step 2: You are 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 worried about your own health and safety. An overly loud TV could harm your hearing. In addition, research has shown that loud noise can lead to anxiety, which might effect your relationship. Your loved one may not hear you yelling for help if you’ve fallen or somebody’s broken into the house.
People engage with others by using emotion. If you can paint an emotional picture of the what-ifs, it’s more effective than simply listing facts.
Step 4: Agree together to schedule an appointment to get a hearing test. After deciding, make the appointment as soon as possible. Don’t wait.
Step 5: Be prepared for objections. These might happen anytime during the process. This is somebody you know well. What will they object to? Costs? Time? Are they convinced it’s no big deal? Do they think they can utilize homemade remedies? You recognize “natural hearing loss cures” don’t actually work and could cause more harm than good.
Be prepared with your responses. Maybe you rehearse them ahead of time. You should speak to your loved one’s concerns but you don’t need to follow this exact plan word-for-word.
Grow Your Relationship
Talking about hearing loss isn’t easy if your loved one isn’t willing to discuss it. But by having this conversation, you’ll grow closer and get your loved one the help they need to live a longer, healthier, more satisfying life. Isn’t love all about growing closer?
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