Hearing Loss Signs to Watch for in your Partner

Considering one in eight people in the U.S. has hearing loss, there’s a good chance it’s happening to someone you know. Most people wait an average of seven years to act on it, mainly because they don’t think it’s “that bad” or they think hearing aids will make them look and feel old. 

But the good news is that hearing aids have advanced so quickly in regard to technology and design, that it’s almost impossible to tell if anyone is wearing them. And many hearing care companies today now make it easy to try out the most effective devices on the market with no-risk trials. So, while it’s often hard for people to take that step toward better hearing, very few ever regret the decision to act. In fact, most end up wishing they’d done it sooner after experiencing a drastic improvement in quality of life. However, it usually takes a nudge from someone in their life. 

We all play an important role when it comes to looking out for the people we love. But women specifically are usually the ones who encourage their friends, husbands or partners to get their hearing checked, and ultimately, invest in a pair of modern hearing aids. That’s why it’s very important for all women to know the warning signs of hearing decline.

Here are five signs that someone in your life may be struggling with hearing loss:

1. In conversations, they respond inappropriately or often ask others to repeat themselves

Are you ever in conversations with someone who always seems to ask, “Huh?” or “What?” Or do they respond with something that doesn’t relate to anything you said? Most people think that hearing loss is an issue with volume, but it’s actually an issue with speech clarity. 

Those with hearing loss lose the ability to understand speech, and often misunderstand what’s being said. For example, “What time is it” can be confused with “What kind is it.” Misunderstanding and responding inappropriately can also cause someone a lot of embarrassment, which may cause them to stop participating in conversations altogether with those around them.

2. They’re constantly turning up the TV or radio volume

The TV volume is often a source of contention inside the home. Too soft for one person, too loud for another. But if you notice the sound inching up, and it’s too loud for you and others within the household, it may be time to get your loved one’s hearing checked.

Turning down the TV is one of the most exciting results of getting hearing aids. Not only for the person with hearing loss, but for the rest of the household, too. Today’s Bluetooth hearing aids can also be connected to smart TVs, so the sound can be wirelessly streamed directly into someone’s hearing aids. 

So while you’re waiting to meet with an audiologist for a diagnosis, try syncing a pair of headphones to your TV so your loved one can get a feel for the benefit. You can adjust the volume of your TV while your partner individually adjusts the volume within their headphones, allowing you both to enjoy an evening on the couch without battling over the volume button. (Pro tip: You can also turn on the subtitles for an easy compromise!)

3. They seem depressed and isolated

If you notice that your friend, husband, or partner seems to be down a lot lately, or is isolating themselves, you may want to gently ask if they’re hearing everything OK. 

When people can’t hear, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the world around them. Not being able to participate fully in conversations and feeling fatigued from trying to understand what others are saying can easily lead to a decline in mental health. Good hearing is so vital to our overall well-being and feeling of connectedness. So it’s important to make sure those around you are hearing well so they can protect their mental and physical health for years to come.

4. They’re no longer participating in activities they love

Have you noticed someone giving up the activities they once enjoyed? Maybe it’s tennis, group bike rides, or even coffee with friends. Hearing loss can really raise stress levels and wreak havoc on someone’s confidence, especially in activities with other people and if trying to conceal it. 

Because we hear with our brains and not our ears, those with hearing loss will experience stress and fatigue from struggling to understand what’s being said. Hearing loss can also pose major safety concerns with some activities, such as riding motorcycles, cycling, and even driving. If you’re unable to hear cars or emergency vehicles around you, it can become a life or death situation. 

5. They avoid most social situations

There’s often a fear of embarrassment when someone can’t understand what’s being said or enjoy the atmosphere around them. This often leads to an avoidance of more challenging listening environments. Noisy restaurants, musicals, concerts, and even family cookouts can feel overwhelming when everything sounds muffled.

If you notice your loved one avoiding social situations they’d normally enjoy, hearing loss may be the culprit. It may be time to have an important talk with them about getting a hearing test from a licensed hearing care specialist.

hear.com is the largest online retailer of medical-grade hearing aids in the world. Founded in Germany in 2012 and headquartered in Miami, hear.com has helped millions get on the path to better hearing by guiding customers through the hearing care process and educating them on hearing aid technology, styles, prices, and more. hear.com was named a top customer service company by Newsweek in 2020 and has also been featured in publications like WebMD, Forbes, and Business Insider. Visit www.hear.com/about-us/  for more information.

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