Ask any happy couple what are the secrets to a successful marriage, and chances are that “communication” will be on the list.
That’s because communication allows both partners to convey their thoughts and emotions to each other – a very important aspect of a healthy marriage. Take away this ability to talk, hear, and respond and the relationship is bound to crumble.
Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? It isn’t always. If one, or both partners have untreated hearing loss (choosing not to wear hearing aids), the notion of communicating loud and clear bites the dust.
Alarming statistics re: hearing loss and marriage
A recently released British study demonstrates that relationships are failing because of unmanaged hearing loss. The survey of 1,500 hearing-impaired people over 55 revealed that:
• Half said that relationships with their friends or family had suffered because they can’t hear properly.
• A third have lost touch with friends, and in some cases seen marriages fall apart, as a direct result of the breakdown in communication caused by hearing loss.
• Two thirds said their hearing loss seriously hinders their ability to take part in everyday conversations with friends and family, causing 52 percent of those surveyed to feel left out and ignored in social situations.
• Almost half said that losing their hearing is the worst thing about growing old.
Hear and be heard—The best way to treat hearing loss is, of course, with hearing aids. With the wide availability of many technologically advanced digital hearing aids currently on the market there is a type for everyone. New open-fit hearing aids are sleek, tiny and allow natural sounding amplification.
And then there is denial. The “I can hear just fine” argument can only go so far when it is obvious that you have to strain to hear a conversation. Denial is a powerful deterrent, and you should never give in to it, especially when your health and well-being are concerned.
Added bonus—So now you know that there is no reason why you should not use hearing aids, and plenty of reasons why you should.
Being able to communicate with your spouse is certainly worth getting tested, isn’t it? But a happy marriage is not the only reason why you should get treated Numerous studies have demonstrated that hearing aids improve the overall quality of life by allowing the user to interact socially and emotionally with those around him/her.
If you have difficulty understanding what people are saying, and you would like more information about the new technologies available, contact Nola Aronson, M.A., Patrice Rifkind, Au.D., Ginny Newman, Au.D., or Nina Ball, M.S. at Audiology Associates, 661-288-1400.