When you lose your hearing, it can feel like your world falls apart. It’s an emotional experience that brings challenges and adjustments. Everything changes: physical health, mental health, personal connections.
But there’s no need to despair over a hearing loss diagnosis. Treatment options are available. Different coping mechanisms can surface. The most crucial thing? For you to remain positive and optimistic. Learn to navigate your hearing loss journey.
Hearing Loss: An Emotional Rollercoaster
First comes the shock. Discovering a hearing loss diagnosis can be unexpected. It’s definitely going to change your life. Whether sudden or gradual, the initial shock of hearing loss is overwhelming.
A natural part of the experience is to feel a wide range of emotions. Denial. Anger. Fear. Frustration. Grief. But after you go through the whole gamut, you’ll reach acceptance.
Getting through your fear and frustrations
After receiving a hearing loss diagnosis, stay calm. Go through each of your frustration points and think about a counterpoint. For example:
- You’re scared you can no longer fully engage in conversations
- You’re afraid of missing sounds of nature
- You’re terrified of being isolated
- You’re ashamed at being seen wearing a hearing aid
Then, go list your counterpoints, such as:
- You can still converse normally as long as you practice active communication
- Nature is great; its sounds will make themselves known to you
- As long as you build a support network, you won’t be isolated
- Hearing aids have advanced so much now, some actually look cool
Remember: your feelings, fears, and frustrations are valid. Acknowledge them. Then, move on.
Accepting your hearing loss
So you’ve accepted the loss. It doesn’t mean, though, that you’re giving up. You are also not surrendering to your limitations either. Instead, by acknowledging the loss, you accept it as one facet of your identity.
Have self-compassion and treat yourself with kindness. Understanding that hearing loss is not a weakness goes a long way in reassuring your sense of self. Once you reach acceptance, you can now adjust to the situation.
Seeking help, professional and personal
Your adjustment starts by consulting the pros. Audiologists and hearing specialists are there to guide you through a hearing loss journey. They will begin with assessing your hearing and determining what type and degree of hearing loss you experience. Then, they will provide treatment options.
Besides expert help, you’d do well to build your own support network. Friends, family members, and coworkers who understand your situation will show their support. Even if you initially feel awkward around them, they will get used to it.
Furthermore, how about joining support groups for the hard of hearing? Whether locally or virtually, you can connect with those experiencing a similar journey. Although they may start as strangers, your mutual experience will promote compassion and understanding. This can be empowering.
Hearing Loss Education: A Strategic Coping Mechanism
Coping mechanisms to deal with hearing impairment or loss vary. But one thing is for sure: educating yourself about your condition is worthwhile. With self-education, you will learn more about what you can do with treatment. Start small before delving into the grander stuff.
The statistics
Reading about numbers may be boring, but you’ll realize you’re not alone in your plight. Some quick stats show:
- 1 in 6 American adults have some trouble with their hearing
- 1 in 8 Americans who are 12-years-old or older lost hearing in both ears, according to standard hearing exams
- 5% of adults between the ages 45 and 55 suffer from hearing loss
- Around 28.8 million adults could benefit from hearing aids; only 1 in 4 people aged 20 or over have used them
Types of hearing loss
There are three basic types of hearing loss. Study them to find out more about your own experience.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Otherwise known as nerve-related hearing loss. Damaged hair cells or auditory nerves in the inner ear cause it. Factors causing SNHL vary, from trauma to autoimmune disease.
- Conductive Hearing Loss: Injury or blockage is at fault for this type. But another common factor is the malformation of ear structures. Basically, any reason sound waves can’t reach the cochlea falls into this category.
- Mixed Hearing Loss: A mix of the previously mentioned types. This loss suggests that your outer or middle ear is damaged, as well as the inner ear (or an auditory nerve). The conductive aspect is usually treated first. The sensorineural comes after once the ear is in better condition.
In your studies, you’ll also come across various terms. Presbycusis? It simply means age-related hearing loss. Meanwhile, abbreviations like NIHL refers to noise-induced hearing loss. Take them all in for deeper understanding.
Hearing technologies
For the hearing impaired, technology continues to evolve. There used to be just a sign language interpreter to help people with hearing loss cope. But now there are different kinds of assistive listening devices. You can read up completely about their benefits, costs, and functions.
Hearing aids, too, have evolved. No longer are they bulky and visible. Some are small, invisible, and discreet. Modern ones come with more than just rechargeable batteries. Think Bluetooth connectivity… even AI assistance! People with any degree of hearing loss are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to hearing aids.
Journeying Full Circle with Your Hearing Ability
A hearing loss journey is a process. First, you may feel only shock or anger or sadness. But gradually, you’ll realize that a hearing loss diagnosis isn’t the end of the world. Adopt healthy coping strategies like consulting the pros, educating yourself, and building a support system. With a positive outlook, you can maintain your quality of life as usual.
And Hearing Associates of Las Vegas is there with you every step of the way. Take advantage of our resources and schedule an appointment. You’ll be OK.
info@hearingassociateslv.com
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