Even when sitting close to my husband, I have trouble hearing him. His mother describes his voice as weak. I’m not sure that it is weak, but it sure is quiet. He is also more sensitive to loud sounds.
Linda-
I commiserate with you. Besides being hard of hearing (even with hearing aids) my husband also speaks softly and often tries to talk to me when I am running the microwave, the blender, or my hairdryer. He has also become very sensitive to sudden sounds--a dropped spoon, the microwave door closing, and especially the blender. I do warn him and have him put his hands over his ears. We can't prevent all the sounds around us, but we can be more aware of the sensitivity.
Oh yes, my mom talks very softly and often is very upset at loud noises. I think it has something to do with sensory overload--which is neurological. It is also something that autistic people have issues with (my granddaughter is on the autism spectrum).
The same with my husband with my crying grandson and barking dogs. But can't change a thing because he gets upset with any changes. He even gets mad if the dogs walk around too much.
My husband the same with a sudden noise such as the dog barking.. makes him irritated. Also speaks so low you can't hear him, gets very irritated if I keep asking him to repeat do s lot of time just agree
Just about anything that scrambles the order of thinking that he is comfortable with will upset him but I am very thankful he is still pleasant and thoughtful.