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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMore than 48 million people in the U.S. experience hearing loss, but only 20 percent seek treatment<\/a>. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to an increase in depression, anxiety and social isolation, which can negatively impact your relationships.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n A study conducted in the UK<\/a> interviewed 1,500 people with hearing loss. Forty-four percent of participants reported that their hearing loss caused their relationships with their family, friends and partner to suffer. Thirty-four percent reported that the breakdown in communication led to a loss of relationships, including marriages.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship, whether it is important discussions or chats that seem trivial. Hearing loss<\/a> can cause conversations both big and small to be lost.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n When there is a breakdown in communication, frustration can seep\nin. This can lead to resentment, loneliness, isolation and a lack of\nintimacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Patricia Chute, professor and chair of the Division\nof Health Professions at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y, \u201cAll too often\nspouses blame each other\u2019s ability to listen when in fact it is truly a hearing\nproblem that is chipping away at their ability to communicate.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n A report by Action on Hearing Loss conducted an interview with 23 individuals\nwith hearing loss and their romantic partners. Researchers were looking to\nanswer the question: \u201cHow do partners and their families respond to hearing\nloss?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The results revealed that while those with hearing loss valued\ntheir partners and viewed them as an important source of support, they also confirmed\nthat their partners seemed to have difficulty understanding their hearing loss.\nSpecifically, their partners didn\u2019t fully understand listening fatigue and how\nmuch background noise played a role in how well they could hear in various\nlistening situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Both partners agreed on one thing \u2013 there was a significant change in communication as a result of hearing loss<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nHealthy\nRelationships Depend on Communication <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hearing Loss Can Be\nTreated<\/h2>\n\n\n\n