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Love is a wonderful feeling that flares up between people. Thanks to love, people are ready to commit unthinkable acts, trying to impress their loved once. A deep attachment to another person arises among all people. But it’s hard enough for a person to build a strong relationships with hearing loss.
Relationships with hearing loss are a special kind of relationship that requires even more attention, love and understanding. After all, one or both partners are not always able to hear each other and learn about desires, dreams or problems. Unfortunately, many couples cannot cope with the growing tension and in the end, people break up. How can we avoid this and keep love and understanding? Below you’ll find the answer to this question.
What do the statistics say?
According to WHO, today nearly 500 million people from all over the world suffer from hearing loss. Given that 2 people are in a relationship, the figure is approaching a billion. Here are how many people face difficulties in communicating and understanding each other every day. In this case, only 1 out of five patients uses a hearing aid. The remaining people continue to suffer and cannot live fully! This has a devastating effect on relations both with people around them and with their loved ones. In 2009, a major study was conducted in the UK. About 1,500 people over 55 took part in it. It turned out that among 44% of respondents challenge of hearing loss was the main reason for the deterioration of relations with their partner. In 34% of cases, the hearing loss led to a breakdown! To make matters worse, most people do not understand the seriousness of hearing loss until they come across it themselves. They do not know how to react to it and how to communicate with a person in order not to harm the relationship.
Recommendations for better communication
For a person with hearing loss, it is very important to learn how to communicate with others. Therefore, we prepared several recommendations for a deeper understanding of relationships with hearing loss. They will help people not to lose their love and continue to live happily together despite adversity.
Choose the quietest place. The absence of background noise will allow your partner to better understand you. Noisy companies, clubs, public events are not the best places to communicate.
Communicate in well-lit places. The following advice will allow your partner to see your visual cues. It is important to remember that the face should always be in the light, outside the shadow.
Focus on your loved one. Before the conversation, pay attention to the listener so that he is ready to start the conversation. A light touch, a simple gesture or a name will be enough to attract the attention of a person.
If your loved one has hearing loss, sit close to him/her. This is the most effective way to improve understanding. After all, the closer you are to a person, the greater the chance that he/she will hear you. Clear Speech is good to use. Speak a little slower and a little louder.
Louder does not make speech clearer. A raised voice or scream makes words more distorted. Try to speak with a normal expression, not too low or high. Often people with hearing loss have problems in different ranges.
Establish the topic of conversation. As soon as the partner understands the topic of conversation, it will be easier for him to understand you. At the same time, do not change the topic of communication abruptly.
Rephrase misunderstood phrases. You have to repeat the same words or phrases when you are not understood. However, the more such repetitions, the stronger the voice rises, and this harms understanding. Just rephrase the sentence in case of misunderstanding. This will be the best solution for your partner.
Establish eye contact. Body gestures and facial expressions give clear signals that can replace sounds. Many people with hearing loss use these signals to communicate.
Write down important things. Sometimes there are situations when it is easier to write than to tell. Record important points, notes, and so on.
Patience. Our main tip: be patient with your loved one. Communication requires patience and compassion. If it’s hard for you, imagine how your partner feels.
Following these simple tips will help maintain your love and relationships for years to come!
Hearing Aids for Healthy Relationships
Hearing and healthy communication is the key to a strong relationship. Only in this way, partners can understand each other and share the most secret things. If your loved one has a hearing loss this is not the end. Follow our tips and continue to love each other. If there is concern that in a few years the problem will worsen, there is no need. There are many solutions. An effective tool, which will allow you to improve your hearing, is known as a hearing aid.
Do hearing aids work?
Hearing aids have long been used in medicine. It is not correct to assume that a device is intended only for people suffering from complete hearing loss. People with a mild degree of the hearing loss can also use it. There are many options at various price points that will amplify sound appropriately, as they are specifically programmed to each individual’s prescription. Thanks to this, a person with hearing loss can hear soft sounds as well as other sounds that are vital to a great quality of life. With the help of these hearing devices, relationships will once again focus on enjoyable communication and not stressful breakdowns.
How to choose a suitable device?
It is not easy to know what device is right for you. There are various steps that should be taken. It starts with an audiological evaluation. Why is it necessary? It allows you to determine the degree of hearing loss. An experienced doctor using appropriate equipment carries out the testing. An audiogram is a graph of your prescription and with this, the audiologist will be able to explain the results and the best-suited device. Only in this way, you’ll receive effective intervention for your hearing needs and have the appropriate device that will allow you to enjoy the voice of your loved one again.
About Dr Zhanneta Shapiro
Dr Zhanneta Shapiro received her Masters of Science from Brooklyn College in 2005 and completed her Doctorate of Audiology from Florida University in May 2008. Her graduate training was in various hospitals in the tri-state area and a residency period completed at Ear Nose and Throat Associates of New York. [ Learn More ]
