How Does Hearing Loss Impact Relationships?

We tend to think of hearing loss as something that we experience individually. But this isn’t really true. As with most things, our own wellbeing can have an impact on other people, and especially on the people that are closest to us. If you have a long-term partner, then your hearing loss won’t just have an impact on your overall health and wellbeing — your loved one will be affected too. In this article, we’re going to take a look at a few ways that hearing loss can impact your relationships.

Negative moods

You’ll know yourself just how much more straightforward life is when you’re in a good mood. While everyone wants to be in a good mood, the quality of our lifestyle can impact it in a negative way. There are many side effects of experiencing hearing loss that can push people towards a negative state of mind. For instance, a person could feel increasingly isolated or frustrated that they’re not being listened to. The reduced level of intimacy, conversation and joking around can bring people down, which can quickly become a bad mood, which makes us more likely to argue with friends and family members.

Decreased communication

Anyone who knows anything about relationships understands that having strong communication is key. This ranges from chats about the small details that make up everyday life, to big talks about the future of the relationship and the feelings that you’re both experiencing. This can be difficult even under the ideal circumstances, but it can become extra difficult when one person doesn’t hear as well as they used to. In that scenario, communication can begin to break down, and that can have a negative impact on the relationship. 

Frustration from both sides

When one person in a relationship experiences hearing loss, both sides of the party are impacted. Both people can become frustrated. One person is frustrated that they can’t hear the conversation, and the other is frustrated that they have to keep on repeating themselves. By tackling the hearing loss directly, you’ll be able to alleviate the frustration that it induces and move forward with your lives.

The plus points

The effects of hearing loss on relationships aren’t all negative. There can be a positive aspect, too. For instance, you could both research the condition, visit an audiologist together and discuss the best treatment options. It’s an opportunity for a couple to work as a team and find a solution that suits everyone. 

Even if you don’t believe that your hearing loss is negatively impacting your relationships, it’s still a good idea to speak to an audiologist if you think that it’s something you may have. The sooner that you seek treatment, the sooner your quality of life will improve. It’s estimated that around one in three with hearing loss don’t seek treatment! Make an appointment, and an expert will analyze the extent of your hearing loss and then make recommendations as to which treatment will be the best option for you.