Intimacy isn’t normally the first thing that one thinks of when you think about hearing aids. We get it. These tiny devices are usually advertised in rather concrete terms. Love, conversely, is something better suited for poetry, music, and art.
And yet, the two are inextricably linked to the point where you may want to start thinking of your hearing aid as an intimacy device. After all, when doctors, researchers, and hearing specialists talk about “social separation due to hearing loss,” they’re also pointing to isolation from your partner. That means it’s not just talking with the cashier at the store 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, lasting relationships. But it will be necessary to make some practiced adaptations and take some special care. If you’ve been losing your hearing slowly and over time, you likely haven’t matured those extra skills, subsequently, your relationships could suffer.
Conversely, something as obvious as a hearing aid can quickly and easily improve these important relationships and make true intimacy more possible. Here are just a few ways that hearing aids could have a positive affect on your love life.
Improved communication
It’s well known that strong communication skills are at the root of a healthy relationship. Everyone will feel more appreciated and valued with good communication allowing stronger emotional connections and reducing arguments.
But the challenge becomes even more pronounced with hearing loss which can significantly impede normal communication.
Here’s how a hearing aid will be most beneficial:
- You’ll catch more of those softer, whispered moments. Let’s be truthful, it isn’t pillow talk if you have to yell. A hearing aid will let you enjoy more of those quiet, hushed moments between you and your partner.
- Your boosted stamina will make it easier to communicate.When you have hearing loss, speaking and listening can consume a lot of energy, leaving you feeling depleted. Conversations can once again be enjoyable and stimulating.
You won’t need to use your partner as a translator
Going out with friends won’t be all that enjoyable when your partner spends most of their time repeating everyone for your benefit. Likewise, you won’t have a very good time if you can’t hear anything that’s happening all night. It’s easy to see how this arrangement could breed resentment.
Your independence can be maintained by using hearing aids. Your partner won’t have to order your food at a restaurant or be your translator when you’re at a dinner party. In addition, it will be easier to continue 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 a lot of ways that hearing more could help make your partner’s life a little easier. Perhaps, thanks to your hearing aids, you notice 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. You will have the chance to ask your partner what’s wrong if you hear them complain under their breath.
These may sound small and maybe even insignificant. But these little gestures, taken together, will demonstrate to your partner that you are compassionate and committed. They demonstrate your level of care. And that will make you a good partner. You will have a much easier time achieving this with hearing aids which will help you detect more discreet audio cues.
You won’t miss the power of a whisper
You may have a difficult time hearing those breathy whispers shared during romantic moments when you have hearing loss, especially if it has developed so gradually you didn’t even detect it. And let’s be honest, those quiet sounds are part of the fun of romance. You will once again be able to experience the power of a whisper. This means that your experience of partnership will be that much more powerful.
Helping Your Relationship
To be certain, a hearing aid isn’t going to mend every issue in your relationship. Nor is it impossible to have romance with hearing loss. Hearing aids will make certain aspects of your love life more pleasurable and enriching and that’s the main point here.
So if your relationship is a little… dicey… and you’re scrambling to find a cause, it may be that your hearing loss is getting in the way of your connections. A hearing aid can bring back needed intimacy to your relationship so make an appointment as soon as possible.