Nearly 20% of the global population lives with some degree of hearing loss. While common, discovering you have hearing loss can be challenging and a little unnerving. Here are some tips to help you navigate this condition with confidence and ease.
Express Your Emotions
Accepting your hearing loss begins with acknowledging your condition and sharing your feelings. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions. You may feel sad or hopeful one moment and angry the next. Discussing these emotions with friends, family or support groups can prevent feelings of isolation and provide a sense of support.
In addition to sharing your feelings, it’s crucial to communicate your needs clearly to those around you. This might include communication tips like:
- Requesting workplace accommodation. Sign language and written communications at work, such as emails or meeting notes, can help you feel supported in your hearing loss.
- Speaking face-to-face. Face-to-face communication allows you to read facial expressions and lip movements for easier understanding.
- Choose quiet venues. Louder venues like busy restaurants can make communicating with those around you harder. Try opting for outdoor seating or picnics at Griffith Park over busier venues.
By expressing your emotions and asking for communication accommodations where you need them, you can begin to come to terms with your hearing loss.
Seek Professional Help
Beginning treatment with a qualified hearing specialist can be a significant step in your acceptance path. Should you opt for hearing aids, your audiologist will assess your specific type and degree of hearing loss and assist you in selecting the appropriate devices. Once fitted, you may find that your outlook on hearing loss improves significantly.
Post-treatment, approach your hearing loss with positivity. Although you may initially find adjusting to hearing aids a little tiresome, focus on the improvements in your daily interactions—clearer conversations, more effective meetings and seamless social interactions. These advancements are crucial in embracing your hearing loss.
For more information on managing your hearing loss, reach out to The House Institute today and schedule an appointment with one of our experts.