When you imagine hearing aids, intimacy probably isn’t the first thing you consider. We get it. The advertising on these little devices is relatively straightforward. Love, on the other hand, is something better suited for music, poetry, and art.
And yet, the two are closely linked to the point where you might want to begin thinking of your hearing aid as an intimacy device. After all, the social separation that comes from neglected hearing loss can also mean isolation from your partner. That means maintaining intimate relationships will be just as difficult as trying to communicate with the clerk at the store.
That’s not to say someone with hearing loss isn’t able to form deep bonds or of experiencing wonderful, enduring relationships. But it will be necessary to put in place some practiced adjustments and take some special care. You most likely haven’t developed those skills if your hearing loss has progressed gradually and that could mean your relationships might suffer.
True intimacy, though, and enhanced personal relationships can come from something as simple as using a hearing aid. Hearing aids can have a positive impact on your love life in the following ways.
Improved communication
It’s well recognized that strong communication skills are at the root of a healthy relationship. Taking the time to communicate can help prevent arguments, increase emotional connections, and make everybody feel more valued and appreciated.
But hearing loss can intensify normal communication roadblocks in the process making a challenging task much harder.
Here’s how a hearing aid will be most useful:
- Your boosted energy levels will make it easier to communicate.Hearing loss can leave you fatigued from struggling to communicate. With a hearing aid, conversing can be fun and energizing once more.
- The quieter, whispered moments won’t get lost. Let’s be truthful, it’s not pillow talk if you have to shout. You and your partner will enjoy those hushed quiet moments with hearing aids.
You won’t need to use your partner as a translator
If your partner needs to repeat everything people are saying, it doesn’t make for a really romantic evening. Similarly, you won’t have much fun if you can’t hear anything that’s going on all night. It’s not hard to imagine the kind of resentment this might cause.
A hearing aid can help preserve your independence. Your partner won’t need to order your food at a restaurant or be your translator when you’re having dinner with friends. In addition, it will be easier to continue going out and socializing on your own! You will be able to enrich your relationship by bringing back stories and adventures to share.
You’ll be more receptive to your partner’s needs
There are many ways that hearing more might help make your partner’s life a little easier. Perhaps you jump up and help with dinner because your hearing aids permitted you to hear the cook timer ring. Or maybe you hear your partner stumble on the floor and ask if they’re okay. You will have the chance to ask your partner what’s wrong if you hear them grumble under their breath.
All of this may not sound like much of a big deal. But these little gestures, taken together, will demonstrate to your partner that you’re compassionate and committed. They show you care. And that’s what partners are supposed to do! You will have a substantially easier time accomplishing this with hearing aids which will help you pick up on more subtle audio cues.
You won’t miss the power of a whisper
When you are dealing with hearing loss, particularly when you haven’t detected your symptoms, it might be tough to recognize that you’ve stopped hearing those breathy whispers shared during intimate occasions. And let’s be honest, those hushed sounds are part of the fun of romance. You will once again be able to experience the power of a whisper. Which means you’ll be capable of enjoying the closeness of your partnership in a more powerful way.
Helping Your Relationship
Every problem in your relationship won’t be fixed using a hearing aid, clearly. Nor is it impossible to experience intimacy with hearing loss. Hearing aids will make specific aspects of your love life more enjoyable and enriching and that’s the main point here.
So if your relationship is a little… dicey… and you’re struggling to find a cause, it may be that your hearing loss is getting in the way of your connections. A hearing aid can return needed intimacy to your relationship so schedule an appointment right away.