Hearing loss is an individual experience. Although we know some commonalities between people who have hearing loss, there is no way to know if they are experiencing exactly the same thing. Some people have trouble hearing certain kinds of voices, such as the voice of children. Others have trouble carrying on conversations in a room if other people are talking at the same time. Still others find that background noise of any kind can make it difficult to hear. Although it is less common, there are some people who have no trouble at all with hearing human voices, but they have trouble hearing high-pitched or low-pitched sounds. These differences between experiences of hearing loss can make it difficult to find common ground. We can’t assume a single “reality” of hearing loss, and asking individuals to describe their experiences is the best way to understand what is going on. If you have someone in your life with hearing loss, the most important thing you can do is have a conversation about their experiences. When you ask them what makes hearing difficult, you can get a better sense of the uniqueness of their condition. Although no experience of hearing loss is exactly like another, there are some general principles that apply to many people. Acknowledging these realities of hearing loss is a great way to find support for those who need it.
Hearing Loss Strains Relationships
One common principle of hearing loss is that it can put strain on relationships. When a person has untreated hearing loss, conversations tend to be fragmented, making it more difficult to keep up with what others are saying. Rather than acknowledging this reality of hearing loss, some people try to shift the blame onto others. They might ask other people to repeat themselves or speak more loudly. They might even become frustrated or angry at the way that other people talk, neglecting to address the underlying issue of hearing loss. When interactions become filled with anxiety, embarrassment, frustration, or anger, it can take a serious toll on that relationship. Another reality of hearing loss is that treatment can relieve this tension. When communication is facilitated through hearing aids, these interactions can be much easier to navigate.
Hearing Loss Is Exhausting
Many people with hearing loss experience fatigue. Particularly during a social event, party, or family gathering, the process of trying to keep up with others’ speech can be tiring. Some people step away from the event and try to get some time alone to reorder their thoughts. Others find themselves standing in the midst of conversations but mentally “checking out.” By stopping the struggle to understand what others are saying, they might feel a relief from the fatiguing process. However, mentally checking out in conversations can bring cognitive issues. When we are not listening to speech and interpreting that language, our brains can suffer negative effects, and some experts even suggest that higher rates of dementia among those with untreated hearing loss are due to the lack of mental “exercise” that normally comes through listening to human speech.
Hearing Loss Can Be Treated
One of the best realities of hearing loss is that it can be treated! In most cases, hearing aids can improve hearing ability, making conversation easier to navigate and improving the general quality of life. Hearing aids have advanced remarkably in recent years. They are better than ever at isolating the sound of a voice speaking directly in front of the wearer, and they can also reduce background noise. These common problems with hearing are remedied through the latest hearing devices. Many come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, making it possible to control settings, volumes, and sonic profiles on your devices. You can help your community and loved ones acknowledge these realities of hearing loss, including the benefits that come with treatment. Have a conversation about what makes hearing difficult. If hearing loss seems to be an issue for your loved one, the first step is to schedule a hearing test. This diagnostic exam will give a clear reading of hearing needs and enable our professionals to pair your loved one with the right hearing aids to meet their individual needs.
