When you think about hearing aids, intimacy most likely isn’t the first thing you think about. We understand. The advertising on these little devices is relatively straightforward. Less defined expressions including poetry, music, and art are more suited to the subject of love.
And yet, the two are inextricably connected to the point where you might want to start viewing 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. Which means it isn’t just chatting with the cashier at the supermarket that becomes more challenging, it’s also maintaining your most significant and intimate relationships.
That’s not to say someone with hearing loss isn’t able to form deep bonds or of experiencing beautiful, enduring relationships. But it will be necessary to put in place some practiced adaptations and take some special care. If you’ve been losing your hearing gradually and over time, you probably haven’t matured those additional skills, as a result, your relationships could suffer.
By the same token, something as obvious as a hearing aid can quickly and easily enhance these priceless relationships and make true intimacy more possible. Hearing aids can have a positive impact on your love life in the following ways.
Improved communication
Obviously, healthy relationships require good communication (though, it is often harder to practice than it is to preach). Everyone will feel more appreciated and valued with good communication permitting stronger emotional connections and minimizing arguments.
But the difficulty becomes even more evident with hearing loss which can significantly hinder normal communication.
A hearing aid will help most quickly in the following ways:
- You’ll have more vitality for communication.When you experience hearing loss, speaking and listening can take a lot of energy, leaving you feeling depleted. With a hearing aid, conversing can be fun and energizing once again.
- You’ll catch more of those softer, whispered moments. Let’s be honest, it’s not pillow talk if you have to yell. You and your partner will enjoy those hushed quiet moments with hearing aids.
You won’t need to use your partner as a translator
Going out with a group of friends won’t be all that much fun when your partner spends most of their time repeating everybody for your benefit. Similarly, you won’t have much fun if you’re unable to hear anything that’s happening all night. It’s easy to understand how this arrangement could lead to resentment.
A hearing aid can help protect your independence. You won’t rely on your partner to order food for you at a restaurant or translate what everyone is saying at a dinner party. Additionally, it will be easier to continue going out and socializing on your own! This means you’ll have stories and adventures that you can bring back to your partner, enriching your relationship in the process.
You’ll be more receptive to your partner’s needs
Your partner’s life will be a whole lot easier in so many ways if you can hear more. Perhaps, thanks to your hearing aids, you hear the timer go off and jump in to help with dinner. Or perhaps you hear your partner stumble on the floor and ask if they’re alright. When you hear your partner grumbling under their breath, you have an opportunity to ask what’s the matter.
These might sound small and perhaps 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 will make you a quality partner. A hearing aid makes that much easier to achieve because you’ll recognize those sometimes discreet 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 notice. And let’s be honest, those quiet sounds are part of the fun of intimacy. You will once again be able to enjoy the power of a whisper. Which means you’ll be capable of enjoying the closeness of your partnership in a more profound way.
Helping Your Relationship
Every problem in your relationship won’t be solved with a hearing aid, obviously. Nor is it impossible to have intimacy with hearing loss. The point here is that a hearing aid will make specific elements of your love life more pleasurable and more enriching.
So when hearing loss blocks your connections, your relationships can get dicey and it can be tricky finding the reason. A hearing aid can bring back needed intimacy to your relationship so make an appointment right away.