Do you have hearing loss? When you first notice that your hearing isn’t as sharp as it once was, it often comes as a shock. After all, you’re not that old, and you think only the elderly have hearing loss. The truth is that hearing loss affects people of all ages, and more than ever before, younger adults are developing hearing loss. Coming to terms with your hearing loss takes some time, but it’s an important first step in treating your hearing loss, and getting back to clear hearing.
Denying Your Hearing Loss
As you notice changes in your hearing health, you’ll experience a range of emotions. This could include denial, anger and frustration, or sadness. Acknowledge these emotions, but don’t let them hold you back from treating your hearing loss.
Most people deny their hearing loss at first. Hearing loss is a gradual process, and it can be hard to pinpoint exactly when it started. Your family are often the first ones to draw your attention to changes in your hearing, and comment that you’re not following conversations as easily as before. When you first notice your hearing loss, you may worry that if you admit to having a hearing loss, you’ll lose your independence or have to give up the things you love.
Feeling Anger About Your Hearing Loss
As you come to terms with your hearing loss, you may feel anger about your hearing loss. You can’t deny your hearing loss forever, but rather than accepting that there’s something wrong with your ears, you may get angry at others. For example, you might blame family and friends for speaking too softly. You may decide that everyone around you is mumbling, and lash out when your spouse tells you the TV volume is far too loud. As you work through this anger, talk to a friend or counselor, journal your feelings, and let go of anger.
Sadness About Your Hearing Loss
After you’ve released the feelings of anger and frustration about your hearing loss, you may feel sadness. Just like any loss in your life, hearing loss can be very difficult, and involve grief. You’ll miss having conversations with your loved ones, or realize you haven’t heard any birds chirping for several months or years. You may look back on all the time you’ve lost when you refused to treat your hearing loss, or grieve for a relationship that’s been damaged by your anger. Hearing loss can lead to anxiety, social isolation, and even depression. As you come to terms with your hearing loss, you can explore treatment options, and release this sadness.
Coming to Terms with Your Hearing Loss
As you come to terms with your hearing loss, you’ll move past grief into acceptance. You’re ready to admit that you have trouble hearing, and you’re willing to seek treatment. Quality hearing aids that are calibrated to your exact hearing loss will help you hear in a variety of settings, and you can choose the programs that will help you hear when you need it the most.
Learn About Hearing Loss
When you’re facing hearing loss, learning more about hearing loss will relieve anxiety, and help you make the best decision for your hearing health. Research hearing loss, find out more about tinnitus, and explore treatment options. At My Hearing Centers, we’ll answer all your questions about your ears, hearing loss, and hearing aids.
Treating Hearing Loss
Looking after your hearing should be no different than looking after your sight. If you notice your vision is getting blurry, you’re quick to book an appointment for an eye exam and get glasses. You don’t want to live with blurry vision. In the same way, treating your hearing loss should be a matter of course. As soon as you notice changes to your hearing, schedule a hearing test and get back to clear hearing.
Many people wait up to seven years before treating their hearing loss! During this time, you’ll lose many special moments with your family and friends. Don’t wait to treat your hearing loss, but schedule a hearing test. We’ll help you come to terms with your hearing loss, and show you all the exciting options you have for treating your hearing loss.