Caring for a Partner With Hearing Loss
Communication is a key component of a successful relationship. Having a partner with hearing loss can make learning how to communicate effectively with one another challenging, but these relationships can thrive despite their communication differences. This learning curve can occur when a hearing person meets someone with hearing loss, or it can happen later if one partner develops hearing loss. The need to readjust traditional communication styles can be difficult, but this process can also enrich your unique connection and foster mutual understanding.
Changes in communication
Non-verbal communication can challenge relationships significantly. The burden often falls on the hearing partner to interpret in social settings and when accommodations aren’t available. Everyday moments that many couples take for granted—like sharing inside jokes, enjoying music together, or whispering in crowded places—are harder to cultivate. For a supportive hearing partner, it’s crucial never to dismiss their partner’s needs, as intimacy thrives on these small moments. Diminishing the requests of a partner with hearing loss can make them feel undervalued and not prioritized. It’s important to put extra care and intentionality toward these small moments as it may take more effort or patience, but it will help you both grow closer.
A need for more understanding
Even the most supportive and empathetic partners genuinely struggle to understand the difficulties and complexities of hearing loss. There is fatigue that comes from straining to listen to conversations and lip-read. There can also be feelings of shame, frustration, and the urge to isolate the partner experiencing hearing loss. When the individual is in denial about their hearing, tensions are even higher, and more problems arise. Normalizing the conversations around hearing loss can prevent this cultural tendency to deny the need for help because of the stigma.
Have the difficult conversations
Don’t be afraid to talk about the communication barriers. Like with any issue in a relationship, nothing is solved when it’s kept in the dark. Suggest little ways you think may improve your communication for the better. Stray away from accusatory words and language that places blame, such as “your hearing problems.” Remind them that it is not you versus them, but the two of you working together to solve the communication issues. If they communicate that way, Learning some basic sign languge is also helpful and shows you care by putting effort into the relationship. Remember in every relationship, patience is needed when addressing sensitive or hard conversations.
Bearing the weight
As much as the hearing partner does not bear most of the stress from their partner’s deafness, it can impact them. Caregiver burnout can happen; they may feel a sense of guilt or pressure from the relationship’s codependency. Being aware of how you feel as you navigate your relationship is vital. Resentment can build up over time when emotions are neglected or pushed away. Finding time to decompress and care for yourself can help alleviate some of the pressure and provide an outlet that can help foster a healthy balance.
Embrace the process
If your relationship has a solid foundation of positives to focus on, the love you have for each other will always prevail. Know that miscommunication will occur, as it would within any partnership. Be open, honest, and set healthy boundaries to continue to nurture a relationship, prioritizing a balance of your needs. Coping with hearing loss can be a challenge, but if approached correctly, it can be used as an avenue through which to discuss and improve communication in your relationship. It may put your relationship to the test, but it will also initiate the drive to develop the tools you need to succeed in your relationship.
Advocate for your partner by asking for captions! Captions provide access to solutions for learning and communication for those with hearing loss. We are committed to making communication accessible to everyone. Join us in breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity. Visit Caption Pros to learn more about our award-winning captioners and services.
