Hearing loss and relationships: Bringing peace back home

Have you noticed conversations becoming harder to follow, especially in noisy places like family gatherings or restaurants? 

Perhaps you're finding yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often, or missing parts of conversations altogether. 

According to Hearing Australia's Principal Audiologist, Karen Hirschausen, you're not alone. 

"Many people don't realise they could have hearing loss because it can happen so gradually, it really does sneak up quietly on you," says Karen. "However, the people we love do notice. Being asked to repeat parts of conversations can be exhausting for both our loved ones and the person with hearing loss." 

Hearing loss affects more than just hearing. Research shows that it can frustrate partners and put a strain on relationships,* reduce social confidence, and impact overall wellbeing. 

The impact on families 

Hearing Australia client, Chris Pappas, knows this experience firsthand. 

"Looking back, my hearing had probably been declining for about a decade," he says. 

While Chris could hear well in quiet settings, conversations became increasingly difficult in noisy environments. 

"The moment I was in a busy conference space for work, or at a noisy family gathering, I just couldn't hear the conversations." 

Like many people experiencing hearing loss, Chris found ways to cope without realising the effect it was having on those closest to him. 

"I found myself constantly lip-reading and missing parts of what people said. It was embarrassing, and I worried that it would make me seem rude." 

His wife and son often had to repeat themselves just to communicate. 

"For about 18 months, my wife and son were constantly having to repeat themselves or stand right next to me just to chat. It must have been absolutely exhausting for them." 

Karen says situations like this are common. 

"When hearing loss goes unaddressed, it can result in frustration, miscommunication and tension at home," she explains. "It can cause a breakdown in day-to-day connection, leaving partners and family members feeling distressed or socially withdrawn."

More than just hearing 

Hearing loss can affect much more than conversations. 

As communication becomes more difficult, many people begin withdrawing from social activities, whether that's catching up with friends, attending community events, or enjoying family celebrations. 

Research* shows that unaddressed hearing loss is linked to a 35% higher risk of developing depression, a 32% higher risk of dementia, and more than doubles the risk of a serious fall. 

These findings highlight why addressing hearing concerns early is so important. 

Taking the first step 

For Chris, getting his hearing checked changed everything. 

"Taking action was life-changing," he says. "I went to Hearing Australia, and the test was so easy and straightforward. 

"Finding out I had hearing loss was a turning point, and the support I received has made such a difference to my everyday life." 

But the biggest change wasn't just for him. 

"The best part is the difference it made for my family and friends. If you've been putting off getting your hearing checked, don't. Taking that first step was life-changing for me." 

How Hearing Australia can help 

For almost 80 years, Hearing Australia has been helping Australians hear better and reconnect with the people and moments that matter most. 

Hearing Australia supports people with complex hearing needs, as well as those who simply want to understand whether their hearing has changed. They’ve also been voted Australia's most trusted hearing services provider six years in a row by Readers Digest. 

The good news is that getting started is simple. Hearing Australia offers a free 15-minute adult hearing check.  

Additionally, eligible pensioners can receive $0** fully subsided hearing aids and a hearing assessment through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. 

If you or your partner regularly struggle to hear conversations, especially in noisy environments, now may be the time to take action. 

* Research source details available at hearing.com.au/15minfree
** Other services may attract fees. Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. 

Book your free 15-minute adult hearing check today by calling 134 432 or visiting hearing.com.au/bookings