Getting older isn't easy. Many seniors start to see signs that their bodies are beginning to wear out. If you have been married for a long time, you know when your spouse is changing. You might notice your husband is turning the television up louder than usual or missing half of what you say. Even though he denies it, you suspect you have a husband hard of hearing.
He may not want to admit it, and getting him to see an audiologist might be a real struggle, but you must do whatever necessary to convince to get his hearing tested. You might need to set up the appointment, drive him to it, and keep him company in the waiting room. If you're right and he has a problem, you both have to decide what to do next.
Meeting with the audiologist after the exam will give you a lot of information. This person can explain how much loss there is and what kind. He may recommend you talk to an otologist about cochlear implants or suggest a hearing aid. Since this is not a life and death situation, you and your partner don't have to make a decision immediately.
There are things you can do to make communicating with your partner easier and more effective. When you talk to him, look directly at him. You might touch his hand, face, or back to get his attention first. Avoid trying to have a conversation with the television on. Background noises make it hard for him to understand what you are saying. Don't yell or speak like you are talking to someone who doesn't understand English.
Going to public places, like restaurants or the mall, can be difficult because you can't adjust the background noise. In this case, pointing and gesturing are acceptable ways to get his attention. Don't chew, smoke, or cover your mouth when you're talking to your spouse. Remembering all this can be annoying, but you have to have patience. He didn't choose this loss. Finding ways to share a laugh about it, will help.
You shouldn't feel like you're the only one who has to make all the accommodations. Your husband will have to adjust to the situation as well. It will be helpful if he lets you know whenever you are doing something that confuses him. He will have to confront public situations. Figuring out the best way to do it is his responsibility. At last, your husband will have to listen carefully when you talk.
It is especially important to plan for emergencies when you are living with someone with this kind of loss. You can find special devices that address this issue. They can be tactile, visual, or auditory. Some will flash and others vibrate.
Hearing loss is not fatal. It is inconvenient, and it has to be addressed. There are simple ways you can both accommodate the situation to make it less stressful. Communication, patience, perspective, and humor are good first steps.
He may not want to admit it, and getting him to see an audiologist might be a real struggle, but you must do whatever necessary to convince to get his hearing tested. You might need to set up the appointment, drive him to it, and keep him company in the waiting room. If you're right and he has a problem, you both have to decide what to do next.
Meeting with the audiologist after the exam will give you a lot of information. This person can explain how much loss there is and what kind. He may recommend you talk to an otologist about cochlear implants or suggest a hearing aid. Since this is not a life and death situation, you and your partner don't have to make a decision immediately.
There are things you can do to make communicating with your partner easier and more effective. When you talk to him, look directly at him. You might touch his hand, face, or back to get his attention first. Avoid trying to have a conversation with the television on. Background noises make it hard for him to understand what you are saying. Don't yell or speak like you are talking to someone who doesn't understand English.
Going to public places, like restaurants or the mall, can be difficult because you can't adjust the background noise. In this case, pointing and gesturing are acceptable ways to get his attention. Don't chew, smoke, or cover your mouth when you're talking to your spouse. Remembering all this can be annoying, but you have to have patience. He didn't choose this loss. Finding ways to share a laugh about it, will help.
You shouldn't feel like you're the only one who has to make all the accommodations. Your husband will have to adjust to the situation as well. It will be helpful if he lets you know whenever you are doing something that confuses him. He will have to confront public situations. Figuring out the best way to do it is his responsibility. At last, your husband will have to listen carefully when you talk.
It is especially important to plan for emergencies when you are living with someone with this kind of loss. You can find special devices that address this issue. They can be tactile, visual, or auditory. Some will flash and others vibrate.
Hearing loss is not fatal. It is inconvenient, and it has to be addressed. There are simple ways you can both accommodate the situation to make it less stressful. Communication, patience, perspective, and humor are good first steps.
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