{"id":2065,"date":"2020-12-03T12:45:21","date_gmt":"2020-12-03T17:45:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamptonroadsent.com\/?p=2065"},"modified":"2020-12-03T12:45:24","modified_gmt":"2020-12-03T17:45:24","slug":"how-does-hearing-loss-impact-relationships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamptonroadsent.com\/how-does-hearing-loss-impact-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does Hearing Loss Impact Relationships?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The 48 million Americans with hearing loss know that the condition affects many areas of one\u2019s life, not just hearing. Research shows that hearing loss can be a major source of stress for couples, especially those where one person is hard of hearing and one isn\u2019t. This is likely due to a combination of factors like trouble communicating<\/a>, misunderstandings and resentment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research on Hearing Loss & Relationship Strain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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According to researchers who conducted a qualitative study of couples<\/a> where one partner had hearing loss and the other did not, \u201cStudies show that hearing loss produces feelings of frustration, embarrassment, and distress for the partner and for the relationship in general.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers also found that \u201cboth the hearing-impaired participants and their close partners bemoaned the loss of spontaneity and the difficulties of sharing small unexpected incidents, observations and small talk in their everyday interactions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communication between partners, whether about important events or trivial matters, is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Hearing loss can cause these small but essential interactions to be lost, leading to frustration and resentment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll too often spouses blame each other\u2019s ability to listen when in fact it is truly a hearing problem that is chipping away at their ability to communicate,\u201d explained audiologist Patricia Chute, professor and chair of the Division of Health Professions at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communicating About Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The following tips can help improve your communication and your relationship with your partner when hearing loss is affecting the relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bringing Up Your Partner\u2019s Hearing Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hearing loss can be a stressful and even frightening diagnosis. As such, it\u2019s important when mentioning to your partner they may have hearing loss to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n