Many people experience hearing loss. While most people with hearing loss tend to be older, you can also lose your hearing ability at any age. If you spend a lot of time in an environment with loud noises, you’re more likely to lose your hearing prematurely.
Hearing loss has some obvious impacts on your life. For example, you may have to turn the television or radio up, or even use subtitles when you previously didn’t have to. If you enjoyed or played music, then you may find it difficult to pick up the same nuances as you once did.
However, hearing loss can have some hidden effects as well. While you might be well aware of the impact that hearing loss has on your life, you might not realize the impact that it can have on your loved ones.
Hearing Loss and Conversation
One of the first things that you or your loved ones might notice is that it’s more difficult for you to keep up with conversations. There are different types of hearing loss, which can impact your ability to keep up with conversations in different ways. If you struggle with frequencies around that of the average speaking voice, then this issue will be compounded.
This will be most noticeable in crowds or at parties when it’s hard enough to differentiate between different sounds as it is. Some people are fine in a one-on-one conversation, but they find it harder to hear when there are other noises going on around them, like music or other conversations. If there’s a conversation going on between a group of people, then it’s very difficult for someone with hearing loss to keep up. You can get lost in the different sounds and voices, which may lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness in a crowd.
As your hearing loss progresses, this difficulty might even extend to conversations with just one person. This can be frustrating for you and the other person involved. This frustration can lead to you being less inclined to get involved in social activities, which only makes you feel more isolated.
Hearing Loss and Relationships
Hearing loss makes it harder to communicate, even with those you love. Communication is one of the most important parts of maintaining a relationship, but if you find communication a chore because you find it harder to hear what the other person is saying, you might be less inclined to talk to them.
Not only this, but this frustration can have a negative impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing. If you’re frustrated, then you’re more likely to snap at the people closest to you.
Not only this, but you’re much more difficult to communicate with. When people get older, one of the most common issues they have to deal with is loneliness. Hearing loss can only compound this problem, both for the person experiencing it and the people around them.
If you’ve found that you’re feeling more isolated and frustrated because of your hearing loss, and especially if you take it out on those around you, then there’s no shame in asking for help. If your mental health has taken a toll, then speak to a therapist.
Another thing that can help is improving your communication skills. Tell those around you that you appreciate them and find ways to check in with them. In many cases, seeking treatment for your hearing loss can make conversations and social situations easier for you to deal with, so you can get the same enjoyment as you used to.
Treating Hearing Loss
If you’ve found that your hearing loss has impacted your life, then you should speak to a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) to see what they can do to help. A HIS can test your hearing to determine the extent of your hearing loss. You may be surprised by the results, as some people compensate for years before realizing that they have lost some of their hearing.
As well as determining how much your hearing has deteriorated, your HIS can come up with an appropriate treatment plan. If your hearing loss is caused by wear and tear and exposure to loud noises, then they may recommend ear protectors to prevent your hearing from getting any worse.
At the Hearing Center of Columbia, we can help you determine if hearing aids are the right choice for you. Don’t let hearing loss prevent you from enjoying social events and connecting with loved ones. Call us today at (931) 548-1166 to schedule a hearing evaluation and explore your options for restoring your hearing. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you improve your quality of life through better hearing.
