People who are starting to lose their hearing know it will have a significant impact on their lives, but they may be surprised by the way hearing affects their mood. They may feel helpless or frustrated, and become angry or frustrated.
Everything is a normal reaction. But you can face these feelings and get through this tricky transition.
“Hearing loss is like any other loss in our lives,” says Angela Nelson, a hearing doctor in Burbank, California. “This is the death of a part of a man, [and you have] Working through the grieving process.
To do this, seek help from friends and family. You may also want to talk to a therapist about your feelings.
“A good support system is critical,” says Aaron Moberly, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Moberly said adults who end up with hearing aids or cochlear implants need a lot of social time so they can learn to hear through the device again.
You won’t get used to living with hearing loss overnight. This is especially true for older people, who have to wait an average of seven years before they accept they have a problem and get treatment. Learn more about different ways to treat hearing loss, including treatment options for low-frequency hearing loss.
When faced with this situation, “people often become isolated because social situations are much more difficult,” Moberly said. If you are the parent or spouse of a person with a hearing loss, you can help them by:
- Turn down background noise, such as the TV or dishwasher.
- Call or say their name before you start talking.
- Speak slowly and clearly. Raising your voice may distort your voice.
- Face the other person when you speak so they can see your mouth and gestures.
- Try to talk in a well-lit, quiet, calm place.
When you learn more about hearing loss, you can reduce your anxiety and start feeling better. Additionally, there are resources to make your life easier. Seek help from a licensed audiologist or otolaryngologist. They can help you understand:
- Treatment options such as hearing aids or cochlear implants
- Support groups in your area
- What is needed for a physical exam?
It can be frustrating to see a family member lose their hearing and nothing is done about it. “My family and friends have almost pushed or tricked their loved ones into my office,” Nelson said. “But you can’t force a person to change.”
A better strategy?
“Speech [to your loved one] About what they’re missing out on in life and how to improve those situations,” Nelson said.
That said, hearing aids are not an immediate cure.
“It may take your brain some time to adjust to the sounds coming through your hearing aid,” Moberly said. “This process involves learning to listen again, especially in terms of speech comprehension.”
When you lose your hearing, you may worry that your ability to communicate with everyone around you will also disappear. But this is only true if you can’t get help.
Older adults who are hard of hearing may give others the impression that they are not as sharp. They may become depressed or anxious. “Hearing loss can also affect [their] The ability to talk to health care providers, first responders and family members poses significant health risks,” Peterson said.
But remember: this condition is treatable. “Life is too short to miss the laughter of a child or grandchild, the sound of a bird or the music,” Peterson said. “Take a step and get back in the game.”
