Untreated hearing loss can lead to a lot of negative consequences. It can affect your performance at work, make it harder to carry on conversations with loved ones, and even worsen your mental and physical health.
However, research shows that people with hearing loss aren’t the only ones negatively affected by their condition. Family members, and in particular spouses, can be affected as well.
Hearing Loss Can Be Hard for Your Spouse
One study interviewed 418 older married couples over several years to examine the relationship between a spouse’s hearing loss and their partner’s physical, social and psychological well-being. Researchers found that “spouse hearing loss increased the likelihood of subsequent poorer physical, psychological, and social well-being in partners.”
Untreated Hearing Loss Makes Communication More Difficult
We’ve all heard the expression that communication is key when it comes to strong and healthy relationships. Unfortunately, hearing loss makes communication much more difficult.
One of the first signs of hearing loss is often finding conversations more difficult to follow. It may seem like everyone is mumbling or that you constantly need others to repeat themselves. This happens because speech sounds are complex sounds that contain different frequencies, making them more difficult for you to process.
Ways Your Relationships Are Impacted by Hearing Loss
When it comes to your closest relationships, this difficulty in communication can manifest in many different ways, including:
- Increased incidences of miscommunication or misunderstandings
- Your loved one feels as though you aren’t listening to them when they speak
- A decrease in laughing, talking and other small moments that increase intimacy throughout the day
- Less social outings together, whether going to the movies or out on a date night in Los Angeles at West Restaurant & Lounge
- Increased feelings of resentment. Your spouse may feel annoyed that they frequently need to repeat themselves or translate for you when you are out with others. You may feel as though they are being impatient or unfair about your hearing
- Feelings of loneliness, isolation and a loss of companionship
Hearing Aids Can Improve Your Relationships With Loved Ones
The best way to ensure that hearing loss doesn’t negatively affect your closest relationships is to get treated at the first sign of a problem. Your first step is to schedule an appointment for a hearing test. These are quick, painless exams that determine if you have hearing loss and to what degree.
From there, an audiologist can work with you to find the right pair of hearing aids or other treatment options that fit your lifestyle and make it easier to stay connected to those you love.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call The House Institute today.