YOUR HEALTH: A different kind of ‘marital aid’

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By Martin Jurek

The lights are low, soft music is playing and, as he leans in, she whispers passionately, “You kiss like a swine.”

“WHAT!? Who’s a swine?”

“I said your LIPS are like WINE!”

Unfortunately, for the 10 per cent of Canadians who have hearing loss, whispered sweet nothings aren’t all they’re missing out on. Communication is key to any relationship, and poor hearing can have a tangible impact on how you relate with your special someone – be it in the kitchen or in the bedroom.

While the above scenario is meant to be amusing, it can actually be a very frustrating and all-too-real experience for those involved.

For the person with hearing loss, there are often feelings of self-consciousness or even confusion. (“Do I smell like a swine?”) For his or her partner, there’s often a sense that their mate is simply ignoring them. Even more common is annoyance at having to repeat oneself, often losing the spontaneity and magic of an intimate moment. Frequently, this leads to less communication and growing resentment on both sides.

Happily, I’ve seen firsthand how hearing aids can reverse these feelings and make all the difference in a relationship.

In a poll of hearing aid wearers in Australia, 84 per cent reported easier communication with loved ones (10 per cent also noted improvement in their sex lives). In fact, not one respondent had anything negative to say about the hearing aid’s impact on their social activities.

Only one in five people with hearing loss actually know they have hearing loss. If you think hearing problems might be interfering with your relationships, it might be time for hearing assessment. Who knows – you could start hearing those three little words more clearly . . . and more often.

Martin Jurek is a Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner and co-owner of Campbell River Hearing Clinic with his wife Jana. To learn more, visit www.tohear.ca or call 250-914-3200.