Complications can arise in relationships when two people struggle to communicate. Problems with communication can come from many sources, but one common source is hearing loss. Whether you’re trying to hear your partner while they do the dishes or struggling to understand them over the sound of kids playing at Sunset Woods Park, hearing loss can create confusion, frustration and tension in a relationship.
Let’s examine the impact hearing loss can have on a relationship and how hearing aids can help.
The Impact of Hearing Loss
A study on the impact of hearing loss in a relationship found that “Spouse hearing loss increased the likelihood of subsequent poorer physical, psychological, and social well-being in partners.”
While it is important for you and your partner to practice patience during your hearing loss journey, that is sometimes easier said than done. When we aren’t being heard, even if we know the reason, it can be hard not to feel isolated, neglected and not listened to. These feelings can be further amplified if you or your partner are not taking steps to address the underlying issue.
Hearing aids can help you address the underlying issue behind your miscommunications and may even help prevent couples counseling.
How Can Hearing Aids Help?
Hearing aids can help your relationship in a couple of ways, including:
- Improving communication. Hearing aids amplify speech sounds and reduce ambient noise, making conversations with your spouse much easier. You may even be able to hear them calling to you from another room or stop misunderstandings, and their resulting arguments, in their tracks.
- Increasing confidence. Hearing loss can leave both you and your partner feeling insecure. Hearing aids can give you the confidence to speak and be heard not only with each other but with the outside world as well.
- Showing your partner you care. Taking steps to treat your hearing loss with these small but powerful devices shows your partner that what they say matters to you. You may even consider bringing your partner to your audiology appointment so that they can feel included in the next step of your relationship-bonding hearing improvement.
Contact North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab today to speak to one of our specialists about beginning your hearing treatment journey.