Hearing loss

has significant effects on all the members of a family, as well as on

the person with the hearing loss.

Family relationships

are also affected. Ironically, the closer the relationship, the greater

the effects of the loss.

Denial

Many people

find it difficult to accept that they might have a hearing loss. Unfortunately,

it's not unusual for someone to wait five or even ten years to seek help.

During this

period, the person and his or her family may engage in compromises and

arguments as they try to deal with a problem that hasn't even been acknowledged.

Family members may become irritated and angry at the person's refusal

to seek help. Stress and friction are a common result. ("You keep

asking me to repeat myself! Why won't you get your hearing checked?")

Realization

and acceptance may come only after the repeated complaints of family members

yet those same complaints may make the individual defensive and unwilling

to listen. Instead the person may say, "I would hear the television

fine if you didn't set the volume so low." This can lead to family

arguments or people watching TV in separate rooms.

Acceptance

Once the hearing

loss has been acknowledged, efforts to minimize its effects can begin.

The family may benefit from these efforts as much as the person with the

hearing loss.

Nevertheless,

some hearing difficulties will remain. Because of these difficulties,

the person may be less willing to attend family or social get-togethers.

Family members

may sometimes get impatient. They may talk to the person less often because

"it's just not worth the effort."

In social situations,

the normal-hearing spouse may act as an interpreter to help the spouse

keep up with conversations. These efforts can interfere with the husband-wife

relationship because of the change from previous, more independent roles.

Summary

Hearing loss

has significant effects on family members and on family relationships.

We want to congratulate you on taking care of your hearing health it's

important to you and your family.