7 Signs Your Loved One Might Need Their First Hearing Aid
How often do you notice that a loved one is constantly asking you to repeat things that were said, or they are always turning up the TV too loud? Not only can it be bothersome to be dealing with these small nuisances, but these interactions could be an indication of an underlying problem: hearing loss.
The reality is that hearing loss is quite common, especially in older adults. Often, the person with hearing loss doesn’t realize they have a problem. Or, they might be aware of the issue and be delaying treatment. In some cases, a person might continue living with untreated hearing loss for years, which can have an impact on their overall life.
Today, we are taking a look at the subtle (and not so subtle) signs that might indicate your loved one is suffering from hearing loss. If you can recognize these signs, then you could be in a position to help your loved one get the assistance that they need.
Why Early Detection Matters for Hearing Loss
Untreated hearing loss has a domino effect on various aspects of life. Did you know that if hearing loss goes untreated, it can affect brain health, memory, and even increase the risk of depression?
If a person is having a hard time hearing, then they might start to withdraw socially. It can be frustrating and even embarrassing to interact in social settings when they are having a hard time following the conversations.
Additionally, untreated hearing loss can take an emotional toll over time. So, it’s critical to help your loved one get the assistance they need, which can improve their quality of life and reduce the long-term emotional and mental health effects.
Sign 1: Constantly Asking “Can You Repeat That?”
How often does your loved one respond by saying “what?” or “can you say that again?” When there are frequent requests to repeat conversation points (especially in group settings), it could be an indication of hearing impairment.
The person with hearing loss might feel embarrassed, and this dynamic can also cause frustration for other people in the social circle. It can even have a negative impact on the relationships. For example, if a grandchild is telling a story and the grandparent keeps missing the punchline, then there can be an awkward situation where other people step in to try to facilitate the conversation.
Sign 2: Difficulty in Noisy Environments
The effects of hearing loss are often more noticeable in noisy environments. If your loved one struggles at family events, in restaurants, or finds it difficult to communicate on a busy street, then it could be a sign that their hearing is impaired.
Sometimes, a person with hearing loss will start to avoid these situations. Or, they might come to the social gathering but simply sit silently without participating in the conversation.
Sign 3: Turning Up the Volume
Sometimes it’s fun to turn up the volume and have a spontaneous dance party in the kitchen. But it becomes a problem if a loved one is constantly turning up the TV, radio, or phone volume so loud that it is uncomfortable for other people in the house.
The argument might be that people have different listening preferences. But volume levels tend to be one of the first red flags of hearing loss that are noticed by family members.
Sign 4: Withdrawal from Social Events and Conversations
Are you starting to notice avoidance behavior? If a loved one is just sitting quietly or starts to show avoidant behavior in social settings, then it could be an indication of something else that is going on (such as hearing loss or anxiety). For example, hearing loss might make it difficult to participate in conversations, so the person starts to withdraw… then others misread the situation and assume that the person is being moody, or they are disinterested in the relationship.
Over time, these declined invitations and limited conversations can take a toll on relationships. Imagine how many lost moments and missed memories are happening because the person is withdrawing instead of engaging.
Sign 5: Complaining About Other People Mumbling
A person with hearing loss might comment about other people not “speaking clearly,” but the reality is that other people are speaking normally, and it’s the person’s hearing that is causing the conversation to sound muffled.
Sometimes, this disconnect could cause an older person to blame a younger person for their speaking style. If you hear these complaints, then it could be a sign that you should encourage your loved one to get their hearing checked.
Sign 6: Difficult Phone Communication
It’s common for people with hearing loss to start to adapt by using body language and lip reading as a way to get context in conversations. But if you take these things away because the conversation is happening over the phone, then it can be more difficult for someone with hearing loss to participate. They no longer have visual cues, which might make it more noticeable that they are experiencing hearing loss.
Pay attention if the person no longer wants to take phone calls, and they ask for a text instead. This dynamic can have a domino effect on other aspects of life, especially if the person is missing important phone call details from a doctor or family members.
Sign 7: Increased Fatigue or Irritability
When a person is trying to follow a conversation while experiencing untreated hearing loss, then extra concentration is required… which can be exhausting. You might notice that your loved one often feels drained after outings, or they are more prone to snapping during conversations.
Look at other possible signs that could indicate that this could be the result of a hearing loss issue.
When to Get a Hearing Test
Just because a family member has one of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are experiencing hearing loss. But if multiple symptoms are starting to add up, or you have a suspicion that their hearing might be affected, then it’s time to schedule a hearing test with our experienced team.
Earlier treatment is ideal because it can help to optimize the person’s quality of life. The good news is that modern technology makes it possible to amplify hearing and help people enjoy relatively normal experiences even when they are living with hearing loss.
Contact Fairfax Hearing Center to Meet With Our Audiologists in Northern Virginia
If it’s time to schedule a hearing test for yourself or a loved one, then contact us online or give our team a call at 703.343.9732. We’re here to help with the diagnosis and ensure that you can find the best solutions for hearing support.
