How Untreated Hearing Loss Interferes with Your Relationships

Treat Hearing Loss For Stronger Relationships

Olga Lis, MS, CCC-A

If you have trouble hearing, you may find yourself wondering, “What was that you said?” quite a bit. Hearing loss makes it challenging to understand what loved ones are saying or to follow discussions. Your hearing loss doesn’t affect you alone, and it’s a fact that your hearing loss impacts the entire family. It might also exacerbate issues you have in your relationships.

How hearing loss can affect your relationships

Untreated hearing loss can lead to a breakdown in daily communication if it’s not addressed. It’s more challenging to hear what your loved one has to say, and you expend a lot of energy trying to hear them. When one or both ears aren’t working correctly, it can be frustrating for both parties. The fact that you can’t hear what your partner is saying makes you furious or troubled, and they may become angry or distressed as a result.

Having untreated hearing loss means you and your partner will miss out on the spontaneity and intimacy that keep your relationship strong. You’ll probably spend less time together, chat less, and engage less daily.

Prioritizing communication

Clear communication is said to be the foundation of many relationships. As humans, we prioritize communication over anything else in our relationships for a good reason. Everything from talking about severe concerns to reminiscing about past experiences to just picking what to eat for dinner all contribute to the relationship’s health. Sharing personal experiences and humor can help people feel closer to one another and more at ease.

Hearing loss can make it difficult to understand others and cause communication to become more chaotic. Both you and your partner will feel alone or lonely as a result of the breakup. Not only do you suffer from hearing loss, but so does your spouse or partner.

Emotional effects of hearing loss

It’s not only that hearing loss makes it more difficult to hear, and loss of hearing has a profound effect on your emotional well-being. As they stand at your side, your partner is bound to feel a range of emotions as well. Emotions such as anger, sadness, and frustration are frequently linked to hearing loss.

Here are some common thoughts surrounding the experience of hearing loss that can lead to emotional distress:

  • An inability to understand what is spoken 
  • Frustration that no one else is going through what you are
  • Sadness at the thought of being unable to hear all your partner says without straining your ears
  • Your partner’s resentment when they assist you in hearing in social situations
  • The feeling of being alone or being socially isolated
  • Fewer social interactions and fewer friends.
  • Reduction in the capacity to participate in everyday activities like gaming or watching TV with friends

Reduced communication is at the core of all of these emotions. Both of you will realize that as you become used to your hearing loss, you’ll be conversing less and communicating with each other less.

Hearing treatment can help you

Fortunately, you’re not the only one going through this. Hearing loss affects a large percentage of the population in the United States, so you’re not alone. Not only that, but you can also get your hearing back and mend your bonds with those who matter most. Hearing aids provide up new communication channels with friends and family members. As a result of new programs and configuration options, it is now easier to hear in social settings and at home.

Improved communication and fewer misunderstandings are two benefits of wearing hearing aids. By not having to ask each other to repeat themselves, you’ll be free to tell inside jokes, talk over breakfast, and share precious moments with your partner. The first time you hear anything, you won’t have to make an educated estimate about what was stated. You won’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing, causing a conflict, or being frustrated when spending time with your loved one.

Frustration and tension can be reduced and defused with hearing aids. You and your loved ones will be relieved if you can hear clearly in most instances. Your companion will appreciate being able to talk freely without having to repeat themself constantly. For example, your partner may help you hear during social occasions, answer phone calls, or alter their daily routine in other ways to help you hear better. When you have hearing aids, you’ll feel more balanced in your relationship, which will reduce tension and frustration and enhance it.

Treating Hearing Loss

Hearing loss should not be the reason for a strained relationship. Hearing aids can help you communicate better, live a better life, and have a better relationship with those you care about. See us now to learn more about hearing aids and how they can help you hear better.