We all know that communication is paramount in a relationship. So what happens when you or your loved one begins experiencing hearing loss? Will it affect your relationship?
In short, the answer is yes.
To our clients, there is no bigger threat to their everyday routine than the breakdown of communication due to hearing loss. To maintain a healthy relationship, communication is very important. However, hearing loss presents challenges that can lead to communication breakdown; where the result is both you and your loved one can feel resentful, irritated, and even annoyed.
Hearing Loss Can Chip Away at Your Relationship
Since hearing loss happens gradually, it can slowly chip away at your relationship. What starts naturally as asking your loved one to speak slower or louder can turn into the misinterpretation of being upset or showing a lack of interest. Over time, it becomes the major inhibitor to your relationship. It is helpful to remember that when we react in this way, it is due to the effect of hearing loss, and that we should not allow it to affect our relationship with our loved ones.
Some Ways to Lessen the Strain
If your loved one is experiencing hearing loss, there are ways you can help lessen the strain on your relationship. Here are a few things to try:
Try to:
- Start a conversation by getting their attention first, before talking
- Always communicate face-to-face
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Have patience!
Avoid:
- Shouting or screaming
- Speaking quickly
- Turning away your face when speaking or communicating from a different room
- Repeating the same phrase louder and louder each time
- Becoming frustrated
Treat Hearing Loss to Reduce Strain On Your Relationships
If you or your loved one is experiencing hearing loss, don’t allow it to put strain on your relationship. Sometimes, a simple, discreet hearing aid could be all that is required to protect your precious relationship.
Our clinic offers a free hearing test (ear exam). The result of the no-cost test will allow us to present the hearing aid options that will work best for your unique hearing situation. Contact us now!
Treat Hearing Loss Early: Our Clinics Are Here to Help
Knowing that there are these hidden risks to untreated hearing loss reminds us that it is important to take care of even the earliest signs of hearing loss. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, a good place to start treatment is to take a hearing test. Treating hearing loss at its early stages can help everyone avoid these hidden risks. Book an appointment with one of our clinics for a free hearing test now!