If you think that a hearing loss will end your social life, think again.
It’s more than possible to have a happy dating life with hearing loss. Hearing aids allow you to live fully without affecting your favorite activities. If dating is one of those activities, why should you sacrifice dating for hearing loss? Your pathway to love will not be impeded. It might even be improved!

Successful dating with hearing loss is about feeling confident. Understand that nobody is perfect, and that your date could have insecurities, too. You might need a hearing aid, but perhaps your date requires reading glasses. Before exploring a new relationship, try to remember the positive qualities you have to offer a partner.

While hearing loss could make certain activities that are hallmarks of the dating world slightly more complicated — such as watching a movie — there are many other options. Here are tips to make sure your date goes as smoothly as possible.

Choose a quiet spot
The popular new restaurant that received great reviews may be an exciting place to meet, but reconsider if the venue will most likely be busy and noisy. Instead, choose a small, cozy place or consider going out on a weeknight earlier to avoid the evening rush. This helps ensure less noise and fewer distractions. If you’re familiar with the restaurant, try to get a table away from the kitchen.

Talk about hearing loss
Hearing loss isn’t always a condition you can easily conceal, especially if you accidently respond in error or mis-hear. Consider telling your date about your hearing loss early so you can both relax and enjoy the rest of your evening together.

It’s okay if you stumble a bit
It’s okay to ask your partner to repeat something if you didn’t hear it. Don’t pretend you can hear clearly when you can’t. This leads to further misunderstandings. Learning that your partner is a patient communicator could be a real key to the success of an effective relationship.

Maintain eye contact
Keeping eye contact helps you understand and hear what your date is saying, and also helps boost your confidence. Eye contact builds trust, which is important when you’re meeting someone new for the first time.

Remember to relax
If you present your hearing aid as just another modern tool that helps you get through the day, your date probably won’t mind, and might be impressed that you’re able to take charge of your health in a positive manner.

Maybe the most crucial part of dating with hearing loss is to remember that you have plenty to offer, and that hearing impairment does not define who you are. A great partner will be understanding about your condition.

If you have questions about hearing loss, or want to know if you have a loss and what to do next, contact Dr. Dena Riso at Peninsula Hearing Center.