Love isn’t just about grand gestures. It’s about the little things that make your partner feel seen, heard and understood. If your partner has hearing loss, finding ways to improve communication and create a more inclusive environment can make a great Valentine’s gift. Let’s take a look at how you can improve communication to support your partner better this Valentine’s Day.
Communication Strategies
Communication is the foundation of any strong relationship, but when hearing loss is involved, it takes a little extra effort. A few helpful ways you can improve communication include:
- Face each other. Lip reading and facial expressions help improve understanding. Always try to face your partner when speaking.
- Speak clearly, not loudly. Even when you’re doing it to be helpful, Yelling is almost always interpreted as anger. Instead, speak naturally and clearly.
- Minimize background noise. A dinner at a bustling restaurant may seem like a romantic Valentine’s date, but it can actually cause unnecessary communication stress. A romantic dinner in a quiet, cozy Houston restaurant can make the night feel special without the excess communication stress.
- Be patient. Communicating requires effort from both parties and communicating with hearing loss only increases the effort required. Do your best to practice patience when you speak with your partner. If they ask you to repeat something, rephrase it or repeat it in a quieter environment.
Talk About Hearing Aids
Deciding to take the leap into hearing aids is a big decision, but it’s a decision made easier by the support of your partner. One 2022 study found that hearing aid adoption was higher among patients who attended hearing aid appointments with their significant other. If your partner has yet to seek treatment for their hearing loss, Valentine’s Day could be the perfect opportunity to start the conversation. Approach the topic compassionately. Explain how you feel hearing aids could improve communication and strengthen your relationship. Your partner will appreciate that you care enough about their hearing to broach the topic.
Don’t wait to give the gift of better hearing. Contact Hearing Systems today to talk to one of our specialists about our hearing treatment options.