Hearing loss doesn’t just affect the individual experiencing it, but those around them too. People often don’t realize what impact hearing loss can have on their relationships, and how it affects their daily living and communication with others. Of course, hearing loss can make even regular conversations difficult, but it’s not always apparent what kind of difference that makes to a relationship. It might just seem like a mild inconvenience on the surface, but there’s more to it than that.
Feelings of Isolation
Experiencing hearing loss alone can often have you feeling like no one understands what you’re going through. Friends and family might often find themselves having to repeat themselves and without understanding how you’re feeling – they may even get frustrated at times. It’s important that if you’re going to support a loved one experiencing hearing loss, you’re patient and understanding and provide encouragement to seek treatment from an audiologist.
You may also find that you tend to shy away from social interactions as you find it more difficult to keep up with conversations. When it can feel like a large effort is required to hold a conversation, those experiencing hearing loss may be unaware of why they no longer wish to partake in these interactions until they have received treatment from an audiologist.
Strained Relationships
It’s not just about holding conversations either, if a partner in a relationship is experiencing hearing loss and also refusing to seek treatment – it can put a serious strain on the relationship. Hearing loss can make it difficult to enjoy pastimes together, such as watching TV, listening to music and general conversations. Small talk becomes much more difficult, and untreated hearing loss has been proven to put a strain on relationships. It creates a wall that can be overcome with hearing aids or other treatments.
A lack of empathy and understanding of what your partner is experiencing can always be troublesome, and if your partner is experiencing hearing loss – then you need to make sure you understand how to support them. That involves making sure to speak slower and clearer, as well as using your facial expressions and body language as a visual aid. While it’s not as great a solution as a hearing aid, it can certainly help you to convey a message when your partner is having difficulty hearing. Be patient and show your partner that you’re empathetic and understanding of what they’re experiencing.
Compassion Works Both Ways
While it’s important for others to understand the effects of hearing loss on the individual, it’s also important to understand how it affects everyone else. If you’re struggling with hearing loss and putting off making an appointment to receive treatment because you feel it’s not that important – you should consider how others feel. While it may not be their problem, it can make everyday activities difficult and even frustrating. Even when not speaking, and just watching the TV – the TV will either be too quiet for you or too loud for those that you’re watching it with.
It Creates a Wall
As mentioned before, pastimes can be much more difficult to enjoy when you experience hearing loss. In general, technology can be much more difficult to use too. Speaking on the phone without the help of a hearing aid can become almost impossible, and frustrating for both parties. In that sense, even your long-distance relationships can become strained, as you’re forced to resort to using text rather than speaking to each other. Some that experience hearing loss may even have someone else make their phone calls for them but that’s a temporary solution to a much larger problem.
It’s important that if you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss, you seek support as soon as possible. Not only can it put a strain on your relationships with family and friends, but it can have a serious impact on your mental health. Pushing yourself away from others and feeling isolated can lead to anxiety and depression.
If you’re experiencing hearing loss or know someone who is – you can reach out to Kirsch Audiology today at 310-586-5533. If you have any questions about supporting others, are looking to book an appointment or need to learn more about your hearing health, an audiologist is just a phone call away. It’s important that if you feel you may have hearing loss, you don’t hesitate to seek treatment. The earlier you catch your problem, the sooner you can solve the issues that come with experiencing hearing loss.
