DH and I had an early dinner at Applebee’s and seated a short ways from us was an elderly couple eating their meal but not talking to each other. Years ago when I would see older couples like this I thought how sad, they have nothing to share or talk about and promised myself that that wouldn’t ever be me. Now that I am half of an elderly couple I realize that some couples may not be talking to each other not because they’re bored to tears with each other but because one or both of them doesn’t hear very well. DH’s hearing isn’t great (however he says he hears everything he needs to hear!) and there were times when I felt I was shouting across the table in order to be heard. We’ve recently begun sitting next to each other in a booth or table instead of across from each other – problem solved.
Now I wish I could figure some way for us to both enjoy a TV program together – I want to “listen” and he wants to be surrounded by and absorb the sound. People have no problem getting glasses when their eyes need assistance so why is it so difficult for some to get help when their hearing begins to slip? Just wondering.
