Improve Your Relationships During Better Speech and Hearing Month

Each May, the American Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) uses the month to promote awareness around hearing loss and communication disorders. This year’s theme, “Communication for All,” focuses on the important link between hearing health and communication.

Hearing loss interferes with our ability to recognize speech, and in turn, if left untreated, could lead to a breakdown in our most important relationships, whether with a spouse or a colleague. If you have been struggling with communication with a loved one, or you have identified issues with your hearing and have yet to seek help, this is the month to take action! Our team at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services is here to support you through the process to better hearing health.

Research on Hearing Loss & Isolation

Researchers from the University of British Columbia reported in June 2016’s issue of Ear and Hearing that “for every 10-decibel drop (roughly equivalent to the sound of calm breathing) in hearing sensitivity, the odds of social isolation increased by 52%.” This research applied specifically to people aged 60-69 years old.  

With hearing loss, our ears take in less information, and over time, the parts of our brains that are processing and storing this audio data begin to slow. Similarly, a team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University found a potential link between hearing loss and dementia. When the brain struggles to hear and make sense of sounds and speech, this leads to a heavier “cognitive load,” which tires out the brain, which may lead to dementia.

In terms of communication, people with untreated hearing loss may struggle with speech recognition, which in turn leads to difficulties with socializing. Eventually, people with untreated hearing loss avoid social interaction, leading to the aforementioned isolation.

Communication is the Basis of Healthy Relationships

Helen Keller once said, “Blindness separates people from things. Deafness separates people from people.” The same might be said of hearing loss, which causes rifts in relationships due to challenges with communication. As most of us know, communication is the foundation of any strong relationship. In healthy romantic relationships and business partnerships alike, communication is key in expressing our concerns, joys, and frustrations. These things keep us close to one another.

During Better Speech and Hearing Month in 2015, a survey revealed that “of the 27 million U.S. adults with hearing loss, the number one cited relationship that suffered was the one with their romantic partner (35%), followed by friends, family members and coworkers.”

Untreated hearing loss takes a toll on our emotional well-being, especially when we are isolated from our loved ones and community. A common consequence of untreated hearing loss is the increased risk for stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as lowered self-esteem. Furthermore, complications with communication occur when we must ask others repeat themselves, leading to frustration and awkwardness. We may feel isolated in big group conversations when we cannot follow what is being said, especially in noisy environments.

A report from Social Work Today revealed that adults who experience hearing loss incorporate the negative aspects of hearing loss into their personalities, and “develop ways to cope with and manage hearing loss in their daily lives.” It should come as no surprise that significant personality changes affect how we interact with our friends and loved ones.

Improve Your Relationships by Treating Hearing Loss

Treating hearing loss bring significant benefits to one’s overall health and well-being. People who seek treatment for hearing loss have higher earning power, improved personal safety and mobility, and of course, improved communication with their friends and loved ones. The first step to treating hearing loss is a simple and painless hearing exam, which reveals your hearing abilities. If a hearing loss is found, the next step is to be fitted for hearing aids that provide amplification and clarity.

If a loved one currently struggles with hearing, the first step is to open a clear channel of communication and encourage your loved one to take a hearing test. If you have noticed signs of hearing loss in yourself, there’s no better way to find out than to take a hearing test. Contact us at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services today to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive hearing test.