If you have a hearing loss or someone you love has a hearing loss, you will know how hard it can be. Left untreated, hearing loss can put a strain on a relationship. Here at Acadian Hearing, one of the most fulfilling aspects of our work is getting to see the joy on someone’s face when we fit their first hearing aid and they get to hear the voice of their loved one once again.
Effects of hearing loss on relationships
Some people don’t realize how their hearing loss affects those around them. They may even find it restful to have some peace and quiet! But while they think they are coping, in reality they can be adding unnecessary strain to their relationships with their loved ones. Husbands, wives, family, and friends will all be affected by someone’s hearing loss.
Examples of problems for partners of people with a hearing loss
People often think it’s fine to have the volume turned up to maximum on the TV or radio, but it doesn’t always occur to them that their partner may not appreciate it as much as they do. If their loved one doesn’t have a hearing loss, the high volume will be very uncomfortable for them and could even damage their hearing.
Many people with a hearing loss find high noises, like a telephone ringing, difficult to hear. In a lot of cases, the person with a hearing loss will just ignore this problem and let their other half deal with phone calls, but what if they are busy or have a headache and don’t feel up to talking?
Conversation can quickly become strained if one person isn’t hearing what the other person is saying. It doesn’t take long for repeating yourself to become tedious and many arguments are caused by misheard information.
Untreated hearing loss leads to feelings of isolation
We’ve looked at the loved ones of people with hearing loss, but what about the person who is dealing with the loss of hearing themselves? Conversation is particularly hard. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to keep asking people to repeat themselves, so people often find they just don’t bother talking as much, to save the hassle of trying to understand what their loved one is saying.
When communication breaks down in this way, it can have a negative effect on both the relationship and the mental wellbeing of the people involved. If you and your loved one can’t communicate clearly with one another, it won’t take long for you both to start to feel lonely and isolated.
A hearing test could save your relationship
Often people are stubborn about admitting they have a hearing loss. But when a simple hearing aid could improve your relationship, it’s worth taking that step.
A visit to our hearing center in Lake Charles & Sulphur, Louisiana, is the first step to enhancing both your hearing and your relationship. Dr. Heidi Sorrells and her team will talk to you about your concerns, test your hearing, and discuss the options available to you. Book a hearing test to start your journey to better hearing.
