When you imagine hearing aids, intimacy probably isn’t the first thing you think about. We get it. These tiny devices are usually advertised in rather concrete terms. Less defined expressions like poetry, music, and art are more suited to the subject of love.
But you may want to begin viewing your hearing aid as an intimacy device because of the strong link between your hearing and your relationship. After all, the social isolation that comes from neglected hearing loss can also mean isolation from your partner. That means preserving intimate relationships will be just as difficult as attempting to communicate with the clerk at the supermarket.
That’s not to say someone suffering from hearing loss isn’t able to form deep bonds or of experiencing wonderful, lasting relationships. It’s just that doing so takes special care and well-practiced adaptations. If you’ve been losing your hearing slowly and over time, you likely haven’t matured those extra skills, subsequently, your relationships could suffer.
By the same token, something as basic as a hearing aid can quickly and easily improve these significant relationships and make true intimacy more possible. Here are just a few ways that hearing aids could have a positive influence on your love life.
Improved communication
It’s well known that strong communication skills are at the core of a healthy relationship. Taking the time to communicate can help prevent arguments, increase emotional connections, and make everyone feel more valued and appreciated.
But hearing loss can intensify normal communication hurdles in the process making a difficult task much harder.
A hearing aid will help most rapidly in the following ways:
- Your boosted energy levels will make it simpler to communicate.When you experience hearing loss, speaking and listening can take a lot of energy, leaving you feeling depleted. Conversations can once again be enjoyable and stimulating.
- You’ll catch more of those softer, whispered moments. Let’s be truthful, it’s not pillow talk if you have to shout. You and your partner will enjoy those hushed quiet experiences with hearing aids.
You won’t need to use your partner as a translator
If your partner has to repeat everything people are saying, it doesn’t make for a very romantic night. Likewise, you won’t have much fun if you’re unable to hear anything that’s going on all night. It’s not hard to imagine the type of resentment this could cause.
A hearing aid can help protect 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. Additionally, 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 a thousand ways that hearing more could help make your partner’s life a bit easier. Maybe you jump in and help with dinner because your hearing aids let you hear the cook timer ring. Or maybe you ask your partner if they’re ok when you hear them stumble on the floor. You will have the chance to ask your partner what’s wrong if you hear them grumble under their breath.
All of this might not sound like much of a big deal. But added together, these little gestures exhibit your commitment and compassion. They demonstrate your level of care. And that will make you a good partner. A hearing aid makes that a lot easier to accomplish because you’ll recognize those sometimes discreet audio cues.
You won’t miss the power of a whisper
You may have a hard time hearing those breathy whispers shared during intimate moments when you have hearing loss, particularly if it has developed so slowly you didn’t even detect it. And part of the fun of being romantic, let’s be honest, is those discreet, hushed moments. You will once more be able to enjoy the power of a whisper. This means that your experience of partnership will be that much more profound.
Helping Your Relationship
To be sure, a hearing aid isn’t going to solve every issue in your relationship. 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 enjoyable and more enriching.
So if your relationship is a little… dicey… and you’re trying to find a cause, it might be that your hearing loss is inhibiting your connections. A hearing aid can bring back needed romance to your relationship so schedule an appointment right away.