Trying to nudge, cajole and maneuver a loved one into
addressing a hearing problem can be a daunting task for
a variety of reasons.
First, there’s the nature of hearing loss itself: it’s a
gradual condition that lends itself easily to denial. And
because it is a physically taxing, isolating condition, it
often robs people of the energy to fight.
Then there are the disincentives: the so-called stigma
of wearing hearing instruments, the perceived expense
and loss of independence, or the lack of confidence that
the devices will actually work.
As a caregiver, you have your work cut out for you. But perhaps the toughest obstacle to overcome is one you don’t expect: you. If you live with this person or spend a lot of time with him or her, chances are you’ve become a class-A enabler: repeating, explaining, amplifying everything on demand.
You’ve become so good at it
that it’s become a reflex, and your loved one is coping
just fine — at your expense. You just can’t figure out
why you’re so exhausted at the end of the day, or why
your throat is hoarse.
Now you know: it’s because you’re a walking, talking,
human hearing aid.
Ironically, becoming aware of the enabling role you
may be playing could be the beginning of the path to success. Realizing the impact of someone else’s hearing
loss on your own life can give you a more empathetic
understanding of what the condition is doing to them
and to others. You can see a bigger benefit to helping
them address their condition: a better life for the whole
family. Your own burden may even be the key motivator
you need to take action.
But what action can you take?