Intimacy isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think about hearing aids. We understand. The advertising on these little devices is rather straightforward. Love, on the other hand, is something better suited for music, poetry, and art.
And yet, the two are inextricably connected to the point where you may want to begin thinking of your hearing aid as an intimacy device. After all, when doctors, researchers, and hearing specialists discuss “social isolation due to hearing loss,” they’re also referencing isolation from your partner. Which means it’s not just chatting with the cashier at the supermarket that becomes more challenging, it’s also maintaining your most important and intimate relationships.
That’s not to say somebody with hearing loss isn’t able to form deep bonds or of experiencing wonderful, lasting relationships. It’s just that doing so takes specialized care and well-practiced adjustments. If you’ve been losing your hearing slowly and over time, you most likely haven’t matured those extra skills, subsequently, your relationships could suffer.
True intimacy, though, and enhanced personal relationships can come from something as basic as using a hearing aid. Here are just a few ways that hearing aids might have a positive impact on your love life.
Improved communication
It’s no secret that healthy relationships require strong communication (though, it is often harder to practice than it is to preach). Taking the time to communicate can help prevent arguments, improve emotional connections, and make everybody feel more valued and appreciated.
But hearing loss can compound regular communication obstacles in the process making a challenging task much more difficult.
A hearing aid will help most quickly in the following ways:
- The quieter, whispered moments won’t get lost. Let’s be honest, it isn’t pillow talk if you have to shout. You and your partner will enjoy those hushed quiet moments with hearing aids.
- Your boosted stamina will make it easier to communicate.When you experience hearing loss, speaking and listening can consume a lot of energy, leaving you feeling drained. With a hearing aid, chatting can be fun and energizing once again.
Your partner won’t have to be your translator
Going out with a group of friends won’t be all that enjoyable when your partner spends most of their time repeating everybody for your benefit. But if you are unable to hear what’s happening all night, that won’t be very fun either. It’s not hard to imagine the kind of resentment this might cause.
Your independence can be preserved by wearing hearing aids. Your partner won’t need to order your food at a restaurant or be your translator when you’re having dinner with friends. And going out alone to socialize will also be easier. You will be able to enrich your relationship by bringing home stories and adventures to share.
You’ll be more receptive to your partner’s needs
There are a thousand ways that hearing more might help make your partner’s life a little easier. Maybe, thanks to your hearing aids, you notice the timer go off and jump in to help with dinner. Or maybe you hear your partner stumble on the floor and ask if they’re alright. You will have the chance to ask your partner what’s wrong if you hear them grumble under their breath.
These might sound small and maybe even unimportant. But these little gestures, taken together, will demonstrate to your partner that you are compassionate and committed. They show you care. And that’s what partners are supposed to do! You will have a much easier time accomplishing this with hearing aids which will help you detect more subtle audio cues.
You won’t miss the power of a whisper
You may have a tough time hearing those breathy whispers shared during intimate moments when you have hearing loss, especially if it has progressed so gradually you didn’t even detect it. And part of the pleasure of being romantic, let’s be honest, is those discreet, hushed moments. You will once again be able to experience the power of a whisper. Which means you’ll be able to enjoy the closeness of your partnership in a more powerful way.
Helping Your Relationship
To be sure, a hearing aid won’t fix every issue with your relationship. Nor is it impossible to experience intimacy with hearing loss. Hearing aids will make certain elements of your love life more enjoyable and enriching and that’s the main point here.
So when hearing loss gets in the way of your connections, your relationships can become dicey and it can be tricky finding a cause. Make an appointment with us, a hearing aid could return welcome intimacy to your love life.