People with reduced hearing and those around them are very familiar with the frustration caused by the impossibility to have a normal communication, which sometimes leads to failed relationships. Not beneficiating from basic auditory abilities represents a serious problem that impedes moving though simple everyday activities and engaging in necessary and meaningful conversations in different environments including at home, at work or in society. Hearing is one of the five senses that allows individuals to recognize sounds, identify their source and easily interpret spoken language. Someone with untreated hearing loss must double the effort of processing and understanding speech signals. Because the brain has to work harder on just one task, it might affect comprehension and memory.
Long and meaningful conversations now become almost impossible
People who encounter difficulties or find it impossible to perform auditory tasks have already noticed the negative impact on their quality of life, as well as the communication with others.
Hearing impairment affects not only physical but also psychological, emotional and social wellbeing. Usually, people with hearing loss experience embarrassment, tiredness, depression, isolation, loss of confidence, irritability and anger. Moreover, they feel like others ignore them and become dependent on someone who is closer to them. Nevertheless, they are not the only ones who find themselves in awkward and difficult situations because those around have to sacrifice favorite activities, explain or interpret constantly, assume what the person with hearing loss needs, which inevitably leads to frustration and tiredness.
Ultimately, both parties will give up and start limiting the depth and length of their conversations. The background noise becomes a greater enemy with the progression of hearing loss. Family gatherings and dinners in various restaurants acquire another feeling and atmosphere because the person in question uses isolation as a shield because of the inability to understand what others are trying to express. These unpleasant situations can put a strain on the relationship between two people, and it is quite understandable because we all acknowledge the importance of communication.
Ways to treat hearing loss
Fortunately, hearing impairment is treatable. Counseling and hearing aids are beneficial, especially for those people who act early. First, counseling sessions can improve health, interpersonal relationships, and social activity, gradually eliminate negative feelings from the respective person’s life, lower the risk of depression and help him cope with the hardships of this problem.
Secondly, an experienced occupational therapist will know exactly how to handle this delicate situation to provide satisfying results and make visible progress. On the other hand, hearing aids also offer many benefits. The brain will process and help the person understand easier environmental sounds, thus reducing mental fatigue and improving memory, focus, communication skills and the ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time.
Consequently, the person with hearing impairment will no longer be a pray for depression and isolation. In addition, it will reduce mental fatigue significantly. For this reason, anyone experiencing cognitive problems should contact a doctor and go through a physical exam to find an efficient solution for the problem.
