As people age, everyone starts to see signs of their bodies slowing down. Sometimes things don't work as well as they used to. When you notice your husband being less attentive than usual and turning the television up louder and louder, you might question how well he hears. Even when he says he can hear just fine, you probably strongly suspect you are dealing with a husband hard of hearing.
A lot of men hate admitting anything might be wrong with them, so getting your spouse to the audiologist may be a challenge. If you have to call and set the appointment up yourself and walk him into the office, you need to do it. Once the audiologist has confirmed your suspicions, the next thing to do is tackle the problem head on.
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.
In the meantime, you can help your partner by adjusting the way you speak to him. Make a conscious effort to look at him directly when you're speaking. If you need to get his attention, you might touch his back, shoulder or hand first. Background noises make it harder for him to hear, so if you want to have a conversation, turn the television down or off. You don't have to yell at him. It won't help. Neither will talking to him as if English is his second language.
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.
Having trouble hearing what is going on around you is no fun. You might not be able to understand exactly what it's like, but you can be sympathetic and encouraging. He would do the same for you if the situation were reversed.
A lot of men hate admitting anything might be wrong with them, so getting your spouse to the audiologist may be a challenge. If you have to call and set the appointment up yourself and walk him into the office, you need to do it. Once the audiologist has confirmed your suspicions, the next thing to do is tackle the problem head on.
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.
In the meantime, you can help your partner by adjusting the way you speak to him. Make a conscious effort to look at him directly when you're speaking. If you need to get his attention, you might touch his back, shoulder or hand first. Background noises make it harder for him to hear, so if you want to have a conversation, turn the television down or off. You don't have to yell at him. It won't help. Neither will talking to him as if English is his second language.
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.
Having trouble hearing what is going on around you is no fun. You might not be able to understand exactly what it's like, but you can be sympathetic and encouraging. He would do the same for you if the situation were reversed.
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