Prompted by his struggle to interact at social events and in large groups, Greg Ebsworth – a former geologist from Tasmania, decided to address his hearing loss. He shared how his decision changed his life when he came into the clinic last year.

Watch Greg tell his story now.

Can you relate to Greg?

Greg’s hearing loss left him feeling socially isolated. And yet he wasn’t alone. Over 3 million Australians struggle with hearing loss, and many of them put off treating their deteriorating hearing to the point their relationships begin to suffer.

Greg found it exhausting trying to follow conversations, particularly when he was at a party or in a group of more than three or four people. He was tired of missing what was going on in his friendship circles. He was frustrated.

It’s not uncommon for people with unaddressed hearing loss to begin to avoid the social activities and events they once loved. Hearing is an essential part of effective communication, and when it’s lacking it can affect every aspect of our lives. It’s little wonder that people with hearing loss who don’t wear hearing aids begin to feel self conscious, irritable, depressed and isolated.

Is hearing loss affecting your relationships?

It’s understandable that Greg’s wife and loved ones began to voice their frustration with his inability to understand what they were saying. But raised voices, grumpy inflections and impatient body language only make a sufferer feel even more alienated.

And it can be disheartening, to say the least, when you spend all your energy trying to match distorted sound with words only to be told “you’re not paying attention,” or “you never listen.”  Worse still, when you say “pardon?” or “what was that?” only to be told “never mind” or “it doesn’t matter.”

That said, hearing loss can affect sufferers and those closest to them in similar ways. It changes the way a couple communicates, and can lead to loss of companionship. As a pair, couples start avoiding social situations, as well as distancing from one another.

Are you ready to find a solution?

Loved ones often think that pointing out our ailing hearing is going to prompt us to do something about it. While ‘prompts’ can help (depending on the delivery), ultimately, you have to be on board with seeking help.

All the corralling and pressuring in the world might get you into an audiologist’s office, you might even shell out for a pair of hearing aids, but you’re never going to fully benefit unless you’re committed to wearing your hearing aids every day.

Motivated by the distance his hearing loss was creating between himself and his family and friends, Greg made up his mind to seek help. He says that his decision to wear hearing aids has transformed his life.

Hearing aids really can change your life

The devastating effects of untreated hearing loss are well documented. But many of those effects can be reversed when you become a habitual wearer of hearing aids — as long as you don’t put it off too long. Please don’t become one of the many people who delay hearing aids for up to seven years. Read my post Yes, It’s Important To Treat Your Hearing Loss As Soon As Possible to understand what I mean.

Can you relate to Greg’s struggle to interact with his family and friends?  If you haven’t already, take a moment now to listen to Greg explain how his hearing aids have given him back his relationships.

• Elaine

P.S If you’re ready – really ready –  to sort out your hearing loss, make an appointment with a trusted hearing professional. They’ll determine the cause and severity of your hearing difficulties and help find the right solution (yes, it may well be hearing aids) to get you participating in your life again.