Lynnette has refrained from venturing outside her home. Noisy and chaotic environments trigger headaches for her, compounded by difficulty hearing conversations amid the clamor. Consequently, she opts to stay home more frequently.
As a result, her husband follows suit.
Hearing loss is often viewed as an individual concern, affecting only one person and deemed non-contagious. While that holds true, untreated hearing loss can have secondary effects that extend to those in close proximity, particularly spouses and significant others. Recognizing these secondary effects is essential for maintaining both your hearing and your relationship.
How your hearing loss impacts your partner
Hearing loss can develop due to a broad range of reasons, though it’s often caused, at least in part, by long-term exposure to loud noises. Therefore, it’s often the case that one individual in a relationship, or social group, develops hearing loss first or exclusively.
There are multiple ways your hearing loss may impact your partner:
- Socially: When you stop going out to dinner or social events, this not only affects you but also impacts your partner. It’s widely acknowledged that untreated hearing loss can significantly and negatively influence your social life, leading to pronounced social isolation. It’s crucial to recognize that your isolation may extend to your partner, particularly if you share friends. Staying in might make your partner feel like they’re missing out on social opportunities.
- Mentally: Untreated hearing loss places a strain on your brain as it works harder to compensate. This strain can result in fatigue, memory loss, and even contribute to long-term cognitive decline. The same cognitive strain is experienced by your partner. In situations where you struggle to hear, your partner may find themselves frequently repeating information. Since your partner is likely one of the individuals you communicate with most frequently, both of you may find even simple conversations requiring significant effort.
- Strained Relationships: Over time, a breakdown in communication can lead to a strain in your relationship. If left untreated, hearing loss-related relationship issues may escalate into more lasting and harmful problems. Many couples report heightened tension and increased animosity due to the challenges associated with untreated hearing loss.
This is a phenomenon typically described as “Third-Party Disability.” The third-parties (in this case, the partners) may not suffer from hearing loss directly, but their lives do change in ways significant enough for them to recognize.
Recognizing that hearing loss is a persistent condition is crucial. It implies that the impact on your partner will endure for an extended period and is likely to accumulate over time.
Treating hearing loss is essential
Treating your hearing loss is absolutely crucial. Not only will you be improving your own health, but you’ll also be making things easier for your partner. Look at it like this: if Lynette starts wearing her hearing aids, she’ll have a much easier time hearing conversations (that’s the point of hearing aids, after all).
Because she has an easier time hearing conversations:
- She’s more inclined to venture out of her home, leading to a more enjoyable time when she does. This positive shift extends to her partner, whose social life also thrives.
- With less strain on her brain, improvements in memory, alertness, and mood become evident. This shift also means that Lynette’s partner doesn’t have to invest significant time in repeating information or filling her in on missed portions of friendly conversations. While it might seem trivial, reducing life’s stressors can serve as a preventive measure against long-term cognitive decline and, potentially, dementia.
- Improved communication translates to reduced tension between Lynette and her husband. Simply being aware of one’s health and hearing status can bring relief and foster reconciliation. It’s reassuring to know that your partner isn’t overlooking you!
Hearing loss treatment varies from person to person. While some individuals may benefit from hearing aids, others may not. The crucial point is to recognize that you might not be aware of your hearing loss. Regular visits to a hearing specialist for screenings are essential to detect any issues and receive timely treatment.
The sooner you identify and address hearing loss, the fewer challenges you’ll face in life. This holds true for your partner as well.
Contact a hearing specialist near you today.
