The amount of people living with hearing loss is expected to rise substantially as the American population ages, according to a study published online by JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery in July 2017. The authors of the study looked at US population projection estimates as well as current prevalence estimates, and they believe that the number of US adults with moderate hearing loss will increase from roughly 44 million in 2020, to over 73 million in 2060. This rise is greatest among older adults.

Currently, nearly 25 percent of people from 65 to 74, and 50 percent of those 75 and older, are living with a disabling hearing loss. And studies show that only 1 out of every 4 people who need hearing aids actually wear them.

 

How does hearing loss affect communication in a relationship?

When hearing loss is moderate to severe, and is not being treated with hearing aids, it can cause profound problems in relationships.

One of the biggest challenges is that having a natural conversation becomes increasingly difficult. Gone is the simple pleasure of recounting a funny story for a loved one or talking about one’s day over lunch in a restaurant. Shared social activities, such as parties, can become a source of stress and anxiety rather than enjoyment. And the volume of the TV may turn into a source of continual conflict. The bottom line is that untreated hearing loss makes it hard to enjoy life with your partner, to relax, share, console and laugh, and the end result is loneliness for both people.

Untreated hearing loss in relationships can result in:

-feeling increasingly frustrated
-a loss of companionship
-withdrawal from social activities
-less intimacy and sharing
-daily communication difficulties
-fewer shared domestic activities, such as watching TV
-an overall decrease in communication (talking is minimal)

It is not uncommon for a person with serious hearing loss to be in denial about it and avoid getting their hearing tested. The hard of hearing partner may frequently say their loved one is mumbling and require things to be repeated, which can be a source of frustration and resentment for everyone involved. They may also mishear words or jump into conversations at inappropriate times, interrupting others.

 

A Major Public Health Issue

Addressing the study on hearing loss and its expected rise in the aging population, study author Adele M. Goman of Johns Hopkins University said, “Hearing loss is a major public health issue.” She stressed that more attention needs to be paid to prevention strategies, as well as audiologic services for older people.

Hearing loss is commonly associated with aging, but a variety of other factors can make hearing loss worse as one gets older. Prolonged exposure to noise, such as in the workplace, can cause a gradual hearing loss that is hard to notice at first, but eventually becomes severe. Listening to loud music, sudden blasts or changes in pressure, earwax blockages and ear and head injuries can also result in temporary or permanent loss of hearing. Certain medications, such as the antibiotic gentamicin and some common chemotherapy drugs, can cause damage to the inner ear. Diseases or illnesses that cause a high fever, such as meningitis, may be harmful to the ears as well. But sometimes the only cause is aging, and the degeneration of the structures in the inner ear that occur over time. 

 

Ongoing hearing loss linked to marital breakdown

Untreated hearing loss can cause a number of health and social problems, lowering a hard of hearing person’s quality of life. Unfortunately, this extends to their relationships as well. According to data gathered by the British firm HearingDirect.com, untreated deafness can cause marital disintegration to the point of divorce. A study of about 1,000 people over age 40 who had worsening hearing loss revealed that 33 percent said it led to arguments with their spouse. And In marriages where one partner had severe hearing loss, the relationship ended in divorce at four times the rate of the population norm.

Our longevity is increasing, which is a wonderful thing. But as we grow older, we need to be able to hear each other, not only for the sake of our health but our relationships as well. 

If you or your partner are having problems with your hearing and are worried about your relationship, help is right around the corner. Make an appointment with Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services for a comprehensive hearing exam today.