You At Your Best

sPOnsOr cOntent If you are suffering from hearing loss, you're not alone. While an estimated 36 million American adults experience some degree of hearing loss, those closest to you – your immediate family – are affected even if they don't share your hearing impairment. Your spouse, in particular, may have a difficult time dealing with your hearing loss. Many spouses complain of a lack of communication. They resent having to repeat themselves, and adopt strategies such as positioning themselves in front of their husband or wife when speaking, encouraging lip reading and relying on handwritten notes. The big effect is on everyday activities, mainly television and telephone use. Spouses must deal with increased volume when the TV is on, making it uncomfortable for them to watch television in the same room. They also tend to be the ones to answer and make all telephone calls. There is also a reduction in social activities, with the hearing impaired partner more likely to want to stay at home rather than venture out and put him or her in a potentially uncomfortable situation. Naturally, these factors lead to resentment and put a strain on the marriage. Increased tension often leads to a lack of intimacy, causing serious damage to the relationship. If you are hearing impaired and married, there are steps you can take to improve your relationship with your spouse and ease his or her burden. If you own hearing devices, use them – and if you don't, speak with your audiologist to see if they will help. There is a direct correlation between hearing device use and relationship satisfaction. Of equal importance: accept your condition rather than wallowing in self-pity or despair. Nobody wants to have difficulty hearing, but dealing with it in a positive manner can go a long way toward maintaining a solid marriage. When you accept your impairment, your spouse is more willing to help and it's easier for both of you to adapt to the situation. The staff at Wolfpack Hearing Clinic joke that they are cast in the role of marital counselors when hard of hearing couples come to visit them. Visit www.wolfpackhearing.com, or call us at 479-957-9300 and begin the process of improving your life, and maybe your relationship too! The effects of hearing loss on the spouse The National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association states that women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia at a ratio of four to one over men. Approximately 10 million Americans are living with fibromyalgia, and it can affect people of all ages - even children. Symptoms of fibromyalgia come and go and vary in intensity. Fibromyalgia has long been a misunderstood medical condition. For example, in the past, people diagnosed with rheumatism may have had fibromyalgia. Characterized by a vast array of symptoms, fibromyalgia was once only rarely diagnosed, and even then such diagnoses may only have been made after multiple doctor visits. Even members of the medical community had difficulty identifying fibromyalgia, as its symptoms mimic characteristics of many other conditions. But even though fibromyalgia is now more easily identified, more research and education is needed to keep the public in the know about this painful condition. Widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, mood issues, and sleep or memory disturbances are some of the hallmarks of fibromyalgia, states the Mayo Clinic. Researchers surmise that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by impacting the way the brain processes pain signals. Healthline indicates this overload of pain signals may be due to a chemical imbalance in the brain or abnormality in the dorsal root ganglion, which affects central pain sensitization. Quite often fibromyalgia causes what's become known as "regions of pain" that affect five areas of the body. Pain is described as a dull ache. Pain, fatigue and trouble focusing or paying attention are key components of many other autoimmune diseases, which is why fibromyalgia is so challenging to diagnose. There is no specific test that can confirm fibromyalgia. Physicians tend to consider a diagnosis of fibromyalgia if a patient is experiencing musculoskeletal pain in four out of the five regions of pain. Because there is no cure, treatments are geared toward symptom management and can include cognitive behavioral therapies, gentle exercise and medications to reduce pain. The NFCP says that stigmatism of people with chronic pain conditions often cause people with fibromyalgia to become withdrawn from family and friends who may not understand the disorder. With support and more research into fibromyalgia, those suffering can get the help, treatment and support they need. A misunderstood condition 8 | YOu at YOur best | nWadg.cOm/YOuatYOurbest OctOber - WOmen's HealtH | sundaY, sePtember 27, 2020 Ad Number: 092720e4801 Our patients succeed. You will, too! 479.957.9300 Wolfpackhearing.com Located in East Fayetteville | 2630 E Citizens Dr. #7 Best of Northwest Arkansas the

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