Supporting Loved Ones Through Hearing Loss: A Guide to Understanding and Coping
The Emotional Impact of Hearing Loss
People who begin to lose their hearing often discover that the impact goes beyond just their physical ability to hear. It can also affect their emotions, leaving them feeling helpless, depressed, angry, or frustrated. These reactions are normal and valid, but it’s important to address them to navigate this challenging transition.
“Hearing loss is a loss like any other in our lives,” says Angela Nelson, AuD, a hearing specialist. This loss can be likened to the death of a part of oneself, requiring individuals to go through a grieving process. Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist is crucial in coping with these emotions.
Dr. Aaron Moberly emphasizes the importance of a strong support system, particularly for adults who use hearing aids or cochlear implants. These individuals require social interaction to relearn how to hear through their devices, highlighting the need for understanding and patience from loved ones.
Coping Strategies and Support
Living with hearing loss is a gradual process that requires time and adjustment. It’s common for older adults to wait years before acknowledging their hearing issues and seeking treatment. Exploring various treatment options, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, can significantly improve quality of life.
Individuals with hearing loss may isolate themselves due to the challenges of social situations. For family members or caregivers, simple gestures like reducing background noise, speaking clearly, and ensuring good lighting can facilitate communication and support their loved ones.
Education and awareness about hearing loss play a vital role in alleviating anxiety and finding effective solutions. Consulting with audiologists or otolaryngologists can provide valuable insights into treatment options, support groups, and essential medical checkups for managing hearing loss effectively.
Encouraging Treatment and Adjustment
Encouraging a family member to seek treatment for hearing loss can be challenging, but coercion is not the answer. Communicating the benefits of addressing hearing issues and discussing missed opportunities can motivate individuals to take proactive steps towards better hearing health.
Adjusting to hearing devices like hearing aids requires time and patience as the brain adapts to new sounds. Relearning how to listen and understand speech is part of the process, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and encouragement.
Failure to address hearing loss can lead to communication difficulties, social isolation, and even health risks. Seeking treatment not only enhances quality of life but also preserves essential connections and experiences that enrich daily existence.
Summary
People experiencing hearing loss often struggle not only with the physical challenges but also the emotional toll it takes. Acknowledging and addressing these feelings, seeking support from loved ones and professionals, and exploring treatment options are essential steps in coping with hearing loss.
Support from family members and caregivers plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and easing the transition to using hearing devices. Encouraging treatment, patience, and understanding are key elements in helping loved ones adapt to their changing hearing abilities.
By promoting awareness, offering support, and fostering a positive environment, individuals with hearing loss can overcome challenges, improve their quality of life, and continue to engage fully in the world around them.
—————————————————-
| Article | Link |
|---|---|
| UK Artful Impressions | Premiere Etsy Store |
| Sponsored Content | View |
| 90’s Rock Band Review | View |
| Ted Lasso’s MacBook Guide | View |
| Nature’s Secret to More Energy | View |
| Ancient Recipe for Weight Loss | View |
| MacBook Air i3 vs i5 | View |
| You Need a VPN in 2023 – Liberty Shield | View |
People who begin to lose their hearing know that it can have a big impact on their lives, but they are surprised by how it can affect their emotions. They may feel helpless or depressed and may become angry or frustrated.
These are all normal reactions. But you can face those feelings and get through this difficult transition.
“Hearing loss is a loss like any other in our lives,” says Angela Nelson, AuD, a hearing specialist in Burbank, CA. “It is the death of a part of an individual, [and you have] to overcome the grieving process.”
To do this, ask friends and family for help. You may also want to talk about your feelings with a therapist.
“A good support system is essential,” says Aaron Moberly, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Adults who end up using a hearing aid or receiving a cochlear implant need a lot of social time to learn to hear through their device again, Moberly says.
You won’t get used to living with hearing loss overnight. This is especially true for older people, who wait an average of 7 years to accept that they have a problem and receive treatment. Learn more about the different ways hearing loss is treated, including Treatment options for low frequency hearing loss..
When faced with this condition, “people often isolate themselves because social situations are much more difficult,” Moberly says. If you are the parent or spouse of someone with a hearing disability, here’s how you can help:
- Turn down background noise, such as the TV or dishwasher.
- Call him or say his name before you start talking.
- Speak slowly and clearly. Raising your voice can distort the sound of your words.
- Look at the person when you speak so you can see their mouth and gestures.
- Try to speak in well-lit, quiet, and calm areas.
When you learn more about hearing loss, you can relieve your anxiety and start to feel better. Plus, there are resources that can make your life easier. Get help from a licensed audiologist or a licensed otolaryngologist. They can help you learn about:
- Treatment options such as hearing aids or cochlear implants.
- Support Groups in Your Area
- What you will need in terms of medical checkups
It can be frustrating to see a family member lose their hearing and do nothing about it. “I’ve had family and friends practically push or trick their loved ones into my office,” Nelson says. “But you can’t force a person to change.”
A better strategy?
“Talk [to your loved one] about the things they are missing in life and how these situations can improve,” says Nelson.
That said, hearing devices are not an instant cure.
“The brain may need time to adjust to the sound coming through the hearing aid,” Moberly says. “The process involves relearning how to listen, especially when it comes to understanding speech.”
When you are losing your hearing, you may worry that your ability to communicate with everyone around you will also disappear. But that’s only true if you don’t get help.
Older adults who do not hear well may give others the impression that they are not as sharp. They may become depressed or anxious. “Hearing loss also affects [their] ability to speak with healthcare providers, emergency workers and family members, which creates a significant health risk,” says Peterson.
But remember: the condition can be treated. “Life is too short to miss the laughter of children or grandchildren, the sound of a bird or music,” says Peterson. “Take the leap and get back in the game.”
—————————————————-