Category: Hearing

Did you know that sounds that are too loud for too long can damage your hearing permanently? The louder the noise, the faster it can damage your hearing. This October, during National Protect Your Hearing Month, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) encourages everyone to learn about noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and steps you can take to prevent it.

Very loud noise, such as using firearms, can cause you to lose your hearing almost instantly. You can damage your hearing in less than 15 minutes at loud sporting events or concerts or when listening to music through headphones at high volume. If the noise is not as loud but lasts a long time, such as when using noisy yard or farm equipment, hearing damage can build more slowly.

NIHL can happen to anyone at any age. Up to 24 percent of American adults under age 70 may have hearing loss due to noise exposure in one or both ears. Other studies have suggested that 13 to 18 percent of U.S. teens have signs of possible hearing loss from noise.

When sounds are too loud for too long, tiny bundles of hair-like structures that sit on top of hair cells in the inner ear are damaged. When hair cells are damaged, they cannot respond to sound, causing NIHL. In humans, hair cells cannot be fixed or replaced, so the hearing loss is permanent. Because NIHL can build slowly over time, you might not notice the early signs of hearing loss.

The good news is that you can take steps to protect your hearing:

• Lower the volume. Know which noises can cause damage: those at or above 85 decibels. If you use headphones or earbuds, keep the volume low.
• Move away from the noise. If you cannot lower the volume, put some distance between you and the source.
• Wear hearing protectors, such as earplugs or earmuffs, when you’re involved in a noisy activity, whether it’s mowing the lawn, using power tools, playing loud music, or attending a concert or loud sporting event. Activity-specific earplugs and earmuffs are available online and at hardware, sporting goods, and other stores.
• Protect the ears of children who are too young to protect their own.
• Tell family, friends, and colleagues about noise hazards.

Hearing loss can put a strain on even the most stable relationships. No matter which spouse loses their hearing, both are forced to adjust to a new normal because of the challenges hearing loss presents.

Hearing loss in relationships can be challenges. Hearing loss can negatively affect established relationships if it isn’t managed properly or fully understood. This may come as a surprise given nearly one-fifth of Americans have hearing loss – hardly a small amount. However, because of its prevalence, it’s important couples are prepared to tackle the problems that may arise if hearing loss rears its ugly head.

Negative Emotions Caused by Hearing Loss

If you and your spouse are struggling with the effects of hearing loss on your relationship, you’re certainly not the only ones. A large number of couples struggle to communicate with the same frequency and nuance as they once did after receiving a hearing loss diagnosis.

You may recognize these feelings have crept into your relationship lately:

• Frustration – The spouse with hearing loss may be frustrated by changes to their way of life and feel their hearing loss is misunderstood by their partner. The other spouse may be frustrated they have to repeat themselves often in order to be understood.
• Anger – Over time, pent-up frustration may be expressed as anger. You and your partner may find yourselves arguing about going out in public, using closed captions on the TV and losing much-needed communication in your relationship.
• Stress – Sometimes the hearing partner feels pressure to step up to the plate to help their spouse. They may feel like a full-time liaison, responsible for filling in conversation gaps, doing chores that require interaction with other people and advocating for adequate medical care. The spouse with hearing loss may fear being too dependent on their partner and may not be comfortable with how extensive their medical needs have become.
• Sadness – Someone with hearing loss may feel they are missing out on conversation, music and the world at large. The other spouse may mourn the changes in their partner and feel guilty that they cannot change their situation.
• Loneliness – Depending on the severity of the hearing loss, it can be difficult to make small talk or sustain a conversation. People have misconceptions about hearing loss and may treat you or your spouse with disdain or pity because of it. This can make it hard to socialize and form meaningful connections with those who truly respect you.
• Detachment – You and your spouse may feel estranged from each other where you once felt inseparably close. Some of the spontaneous moments of communication you used to enjoy together may no longer be physically possible, and that can take an emotional toll over time. This can be especially jarring if you’re used to having a rock-solid relationship built on open and honest communication.
• Isolation – Some situations are simply too overwhelming for someone with hearing loss. Busy restaurants, raucous sports games, loud concerts and parties with blaring music may all be off-limits now. Hearing loss can also cause embarrassment and exhaustion, which may lead someone to stay at home instead of being subjected to the perceived judgments of others.

How to Cope with Hearing Loss as a Couple

The important thing to remember is that hearing loss is no one’s fault. It can be caused by any number of factors out of your control, like noise exposure, ototoxic medicines or aging. What you do have control over is how you handle hearing loss and move forward as a couple.

You are not necessarily doomed to divorce because of this obstacle. You have likely gone through many trying times together, such as losing a loved one, combatting a serious illness, raising children together, moving to another city or state and renegotiating your respective roles in the relationship as you’ve grown older. When you rose to each challenge, you likely became a stronger couple because of it.

Coping with hearing loss is no different. The following strategies may help you resolve some of the negative emotions you feel and rebuild your relationship:

• Attending marriage counseling together
• Agreeing to communicate in a healthier way devoid of blame or aggression
• Getting a hearing aid or cochlear implant
• Learning sign language together

Receive a Hearing Aid or Cochlear Implant Services from West Texas Rehabilitation Center

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, more than 28 million American adults could improve their quality of life with the help of a hearing aid. Despite this, most people who could benefit from hearing aids never try them – including approximately 84 percent of eligible 20- to 69-year-olds. Among those who have tried hearing aids, a large percent find that they have had a positive impact on their marriage.

At West Texas Rehabilitation Center, our audiology team will work with you to find the best hearing tool for your level of hearing loss. We have a wide variety of new hearing aids to choose from at every price level, and we also offer hearing aid repair. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about the performance of your device – we offer a 60-day trial period to make sure you’re seeing results, as well as cleanings every four months free of charge!

If you’re interested in trying a hearing aid or receiving cochlear implant services, contact us today at our Abilene, San Angelo or Ozona locations.

In this blog, you’ll learn some tips on how to help create a hearing-loss friendly environment that’ll help everyone thrive while celebrating the holidays.

One of our favorite times of the year is here… the holiday season. It’s a time for family members, friends or loved ones to get together to celebrate and spend time catching up with one another.

While this time of year may bring joy for some, it may bring some added stress or emotions to others, especially those with hearing loss.

Here are some ways you can support your guests as a host:

• Pull aside the individual with a hearing loss in a discrete way and ask how you can help make their visit easier and ask if there is there anything you can do to support them throughout the gathering.
• Create a quiet area for people to catch up.
• Make sure the room is bright enough for everyone to see each other, especially to help everyone follow the conversation.
• See if you can turn down, turn off or mute holiday music, football games, or other background noise, particularly while eating.
• Check in with your guests. If you notice someone with hearing loss may be withdrawing from the conversations or quiet, please try to help bring them back into the conversation and encourage others to do the same.
• Try to take a moment to chat with everyone, including those with hearing loss.
• Ask those with hearing loss where the best spot for them to sit at the dinner table is ahead of time and help make it easier for them.
• Speak clearly while providing dinner instructions or even in general.
• If someone is unable to hear you, try rephrasing the words to help them better understand you.
• During the dinner, ask if people will take turns and go around the table to share a favorite memory or highlight from the year, what they are thankful for, or what they are looking forward to in the following year as an activity.

Here are some tips on how you can handle your hearing loss with grace at the holiday gatherings you’ll be attending:

• Notify the host ahead of time to let them know you may have a difficult time hearing in certain environments and see about accommodations.
• Arrive early to catch up with family and friends before it gets too crowded or too loud.
• Be honest, let people know about your communication needs and self-advocate if you are having a hard time hearing.
• Wear your hearing aids at all times to make sure your hearing loss doesn’t get in the way of a good time.
• Make sure your hearing aids are clean, up-to-date and your batteries are fully charged.
• Ask a family member or friend to help remind others of your communication needs and if they can help repeat things.
• Have reasonable expectations and know it’s okay if you don’t hear everything.
• Consider using an assistive listening device just like the ReSound Multi Mic or the ReSound Micro Mic to help make sure you never miss a word.
• Speak up if you are having trouble hearing or give visual cues to help notify others.
• See if background noises like holiday music can be reduced or limited.
• Choose the best seat to you and make sure you can see others.
• Find a quieter area for conversations, especially if they are more one-one-one if need be.
• Converse with those next to you.
• Ask if closed captioning can be turned on the television if anything like a football game is being shown.
• Don’t shout across the room, make sure to walk over to the person and talk to them directly.

Keep these tips in mind when hosting or attending a holiday gathering or get together to ensure everyone feels included in the environment. We hope you all enjoy your holiday gatherings and have a safe and happy holiday season! Contact our Hearing Centers if you have any questions! They are “hear” to help.