How do you cope with your hearing loss?
If you have been living with hearing loss, what are some ways you've found to cope that you can share with our community? Have you found ways to make life with hearing loss easier?
Please share below to help those recently diagnosed
Huh? I can't hear you!
@emotionalMaple9419
Is that really the joke you're going with?
I have had to find a way to laugh at myself as this topic is so very frustrating for me.
I have had varying levels of hearing loss since childhood that can't be helped.
I have found it helpful to have others repeat their sentences or I also repeat what I think is heard and ask for clarification.
If I can find a way to get information in written form it is a big help.
I ask for no noises to be around me if possible so I can hear.
Having another come with me to appointments and being there to listen is great in having a second set of ears.
Having important things written down is alo essentialtomaking sure I get what information is essential.
My dad had this problem. Finding the right hearing aid helps and adjusting it periodically-sometimes the aid picks up too much and makes it unbearable.
He used to take them off when he was tired of listening to us, lol...it also helped to have a wipe board or pad/pencil handy to jot short messages down.
I used many gestures and animated facial expressions to convey myself. I tried to be patient with him. It was probably one of the most difficult things he had to deal with.
I have tinnitus, which some might say is hearing loss. Either way it so very frustrating... makes communicating very difficult. And the realization that you will never hear quiet again. Take care of your hearing.
What?
@lavenderOrange4849
Is your inquiry about my post?
@ruffneckred I think it is a joke :)
@ruffneckred it was a joke. I just play the music louder.
@lavenderOrange4849
@lavenderOrange4849
Tiresome
sorry, I don't find the topic particullarily funny, it has had a significant impact on my life, have a great day
@ruffneckred hearing loss must be a challenge to deal wtih, I hope you've found good coping mechanisms.
@Jill7cups
it is a challenge, but most think it is just an annoyance. Even calling it hearing loss is minimalization of what tinnitus brings to bear.
@ruffneckred yes that makes sense, tinnitus is certianly unique as far as symptoms and treatment. Have you found anything that offers relief or is it untreatable?
@ruffneckred
Same same. I am sick of people saying "What?" as a joke when I reveal my hearing loss.
I am routinely marginalized re: my age and hearing disability. I try to laugh it off and my friends know better, but I'm in a new area and a new job and I have to repeatedly explain about my hearing loss. My new company is exquistely sensitive to this and I appreciate it. I've learned that when I try to "pass," I inevitably end up in a confusing situation, where misunderstandings can cause confusion and sometimes even hurt feelings. I've had great success with revealing the loss early in the conversation.
@MsBrownieBee I'm so glad to hear your employer is sensitive to the situation! Interesting that you've been able to determind bringing your hearing loss up early in a relationship or conversation seems to help avoid misunderstanding. That makes sense, although I'm sure it took some time for you to really recognize the value of bringing it up early. I'm glad you have been able to be reflective and find a method that works for you!
Thanks for posting! Check out our other posts about hearing loss and please chime in with your own thoughts or experiences!
@Jill7cups
Thanks so much for the response.