Untreated hearing loss affects life in myriad ways, from missing everyday sounds to impacting communication with friends and family. If you or one of your loved ones has untreated hearing loss, it is certain to have ripple effects on your relationship, in both subtle and overt ways.
It’s important to discuss these ripple effects, not to cause grief or shame, but to remind ourselves and our loved ones that untreated hearing loss affects us deeply, and to start a conversation about getting the treatment needed.
Communication Breakdowns
Untreated hearing loss can and will cause communication breakdowns. Misheard words, needing constant repeats, missing key details in a conversation or missing what someone said entirely are all common with untreated hearing loss.
These things compound. For the person with hearing loss, it may cause frustration, stress and embarrassment, and for their loved ones, they may feel ignored or frustrated.
Impact on Social Dynamics
Due to the stress and embarrassment they may feel, it’s not uncommon for a person with untreated hearing loss to withdraw from social settings. They may stop reaching out, decline invitations, remain quiet during group conversations and pretend to hear things when they didn’t. The longer this behavior continues, the more they may feel isolated from their loved ones.
Their loved ones may feel the need to adjust their behavior, too. They may take on the role of interpreter or advocate, often without realizing it or being asked, and that extra emotional load on the relationship may become overwhelming.
Finally, communication breakdowns can lead to misunderstandings and even arguments. Some people with untreated hearing loss attempt to divert their own embarrassment by blaming other people (“I can’t hear you when you’re mumbling all the time!”), and their loved ones might get fed up with not being heard.
Humans Are Social Creatures
The importance of communication cannot be overstated. Research suggests that humans have a neurological, biological need for healthy communication, as strong as our need for food, shelter and water. When a person with untreated hearing loss gets caught in the patterns we’ve outlined above, that need for communication goes unmet, which can affect longevity, mental health, physical health and overall well-being.
Getting the Treatment They Need
The good news is that hearing loss is treatable, and getting that treatment will help immensely with everything we’ve discussed today. Hearing aids strengthen communication, which can rebuild relationships and give people the communication and connection they need.
If you think you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, it’s time to seek help. Call us at Cape ENT to schedule a hearing test and begin the journey to better hearing and communication!