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How to accept that I am deaf/ have a hearing loss?

68 Answers
Last Updated: 06/15/2022 at 2:38pm
How to accept that I am deaf/ have a hearing loss?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Myiesha Beard, LPC, NCC, CAMSII

Licensed Professional Counselor

I maintain a general practice providing services to children, adults, couples and families.

Top Rated Answers
hohwriter726
February 14th, 2019 1:08am
I am hard of hearing, so I will discuss some of my experiences in this answer. One thing to do is to take an ASL (American Sign Language) class if at all possible. If not, look for ASL resources online. Also, look for any Deaf events in your area. If there are none, go on social media and join some groups for people who are Deaf and/or hard of hearing. Also, do not be afraid to share the fact that you have a hearing loss with others. If you need something repeated or captions on the TV, say so. Be your own advocate. This includes in the work place as well. When I go out with friends, I always try to go somewhere well lit and with minimal background noise (unless I am with friends who know ASL). I also try to sit across from the speaker; I ask for a round table in a restruaunt if I am with a group of people, so I can read everyone's lips. Also, if you use a Cochlear Implant or hearing aids, do not be afraid to wear it. Some people even choose to accessorize theirs with things such as stickers and colored duct tape. There are even companies that sell hearing aid and cochlear implant decorative accessories. Being Deaf does come with it's own sets of challenges, but it also gives you a lot as well. It gives you access to the Deaf community, which is full of so many amazing people. You have motivation for learning a new language and become bilingual (which also looks fantastic on job applications). If you want to talk more about this, feel free to message me and we can set up a chat time. Best of luck.
Anonymous
January 14th, 2020 6:15am
Accepting that you are deaf and/or have a hearing loss is a big change. What many people don't know is that the Deaf people have a very welcoming and tightly knit community ready to embrace you with open arms. Not only can you learn sign language, but Deaf people also have their own unique sense of humor, behavior patterns, and even folklore. It may be tough to accept your hearing loss initially, but once you immerse yourself in the Deaf community and develop a sense of Deaf pride, you'll be happy to have found a very unique group of people who will accept you unconditionally!
Anonymous
January 26th, 2020 7:11pm
My Best friend is deaf! I know that’s not me but she has always told me it’s not so much as ‘acceptance’ it’s about loving it for a part of who you are. It can be apart of who you are. A part of a new community too. I have found the deaf/hoh (hard of hearing) community to be one of the kindest/ friendliest there is. For people of all different hearing abilities. Maybe try reaching out to others that are deaf by either using online resources or maybe there’s a group you could join near yourself? I think that will be your best bet
DaveMcGrath
February 19th, 2020 1:17am
You take the time you need to come to terms with it. It wasn't easy for me to accept, took me years of getting told I couldn't do various jobs before I found one I could do. It frustrated me greatly at first but now I'm content with my life choices. The best I can suggest is you should focus your energy on finding a path that works well for you. If you can't do this go and do that. There is an entire world out there to be explored, you just need to go out and find it.
Anonymous
April 23rd, 2021 12:29am
Try not to feel sorry for your self. Please remember you're not alone. More then half the world's population, has some form of disability or health related condition. Try to find others, like you, or have some of the same issues as you. It might help you to feel less a lone. Plus what a great support network, you will have. I hope this helps you. Best of luck to you.
39Miku
March 17th, 2020 1:12pm
Well, here's my take on it. While I may not have hearing loss, I do understand what it's like to not be able to do something you enjoy. Just remember that this is your reality, it may seem pretty tough, but it's still your reality, and that means you control it. While you may not be able to get your hearing back, you can think of the positives of this, whether it is that you finally don't have to hear that annoying neighbor that is always throwing parties, or that you can always just close your eyes and isolate yourself if you ever need it. I hope that you can get through this, and if you really want to, find a way to help your hearing loss.
Teddy522
March 18th, 2020 9:54pm
Acceptance means that you have acknowledged that you are in pain and have decided not to let it affect you. Many people argue that acceptance is a key aspect of working through psychological pain. Hearing loss can be a difficult concept to accept. You may feel like you are "missing out" or that you "differ" from others. But appreciating the joys of life, and knowing that you can have an enjoyable life without your hearing can help significantly with acceptance. There`s much much more to life than sound. Having a form of hearing loss does not make you any less of a person, and you deserve to accept yourself just as much as you would accept someone else who has hearing loss.
Anonymous
April 25th, 2021 1:42pm
Acceptance of hearing loss can be hard for those who were born with "normal" hearing but lost it over time, either gradually or quickly. Hearing loss cuts us off from other people in a number of ways, especially in terms of social connections. It affects our ability to form connections, maintain relationships, find and keep a job, be successful in school, or enjoy daily life. Acceptance, in and of itself, it a process. You don't instantly accept your hearing loss, but gradually adapt, adjust, and accommodate to a new normal that is normal for you. And what's challenging is, the new normal can change later, just when we think we adjusted to it! That can set off a cascade of anxiety, self-blame, worry, and even depression. It's important to let others know what you need so they can help you. Examples might be reducing background noise so you can hear others; sitting where the sunlight isn't shining in your face so you can read lips easily; and using technology to compensate for your hearing loss. Luckily there are many, many apps, devices and tech that can assist people who are Deaf, late-deafened, or with minor hearing loss, handle the day-to-day challenges. A great example of adaptive technology would be speech-to-text apps that can transcribe speech into text so you can communicate with hearing people who mumble or who are wearing face masks.
Anonymous
April 16th, 2020 10:26am
Having a hearing loss can be hard. Much like other aspects of life, you can consider it as a problem to be solved. You have a hearing loss. Think about the things you cannot do or want to do better because of it. For example, you may not be able to communicate as well with a hearing loss. Now a part of the problem is identified. Try not to look at the big picture in this situation, because it can become very overwhelming to do so. You have trouble communicating, in this example. Next, try to think of ways you can do whatever it is you want to do, in other words, solutions to the problem. In the communication example, there are several, including text messaging and sign language. Go through all the reasons you can't accept that you have a hearing loss, and try to identify ways you could accept it.
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2020 7:03pm
It is part of who you are as a person and there's nothing we can do to change the person we are. We are all special and unique in our own way, and even though we feel different at times, everyone has their flaws and their strengths. Even if you are deaf, it doesn't mean that your whole world and life stops. There are still so many opportunities to take, new doors to open, and new ways to make the most in life. You could still strive for your goals, work for your dreams, and be the person you are. You are amazing just the way you are and people will appreciate and love you for who you are truthfully.
Anonymous
July 16th, 2020 8:52pm
I would first, take a deep breath. News like this is always difficult to receive, especially because it affects your day to day life significantly. I would remind myself that you're still worthy to be loved and this doesn't change a thing about you. Yes it will be difficult adjusting at first, let alone accepting the fact. But try to keep an open mind. As devastating as this can be, there's a whole community and language willing to welcome you with open arms. Being hard of hearing or deaf doesn't make you any less human, or any less worthy. Is it going to difficult? Yes. But that doesn't mean you can't do it, that doesn't mean you're going through this alone, that especially doesn't mean you're less valid or worthy as being seen as equal.
Anonymous
January 1st, 2021 8:14pm
Any change mentally or physically can be difficult to accept. Maybe try embracing the idea of this heightening your other senses to compensate the loss. It's also a chance to learn a new language, by learning to sign. I am sure it is scary and feels a little like you might be starting over, but it can also open the door for new possibilities. You also might look into support groups for people having similar feelings on their own recent hearing loss. I find the bigger my support system is, the easier big changes are for me. You are strong and you've got this. Just another hurdle on the track we call life that I know you can clear.
Anonymous
January 13th, 2021 6:42pm
It can be difficult to come to terms with changes in our lives that impact us in ways we were not expecting. People tend to deal with changes like that in different ways. Some people find acceptance through educating themselves on the nature of their new condition and by arming themselves with tools or medical devices they can utilize to improve their quality of life to once more find balance and normalcy akin to what they had before. Some people find it is easier to gain acceptance through letting go of the life they had before and fully committing to the new way of life, experiencing it as it is, without trying to resist the changes or hardships that come with it (and in some cases, even embracing those changes by embracing a new identity or new community of people). Still others find that they can come to acceptance through self reflection and thorough assessment of their feelings, such as through counseling or journaling. Others come to acceptance through meditation or prayer or reaching out to their Higher Power. Ultimately, only you can decide which route is best for you based on where you are at in your journey, because only you know the type of acceptance that you are looking for. What you are going through is an experience. What you do with that experience is up to you. If you are looking for the kind of acceptance that transforms your life and puts you in contact with new experiences and new kinds of people, then seeking out those experiences and fellowship of those people might help you come to that acceptance. If you feel like you want faith-inspired acceptance, than invoking your faith through prayer or meditation might help you reach your acceptance. Perhaps thinking of how you want to feel when you have reached acceptance will give you ideas and support in how to find that acceptance.
YourSafeZone
July 19th, 2017 12:42am
by having self confidence and understanding that it is okay. it is not the end of the world and no one is perfect. we could have hearing problems vision problems speaking problems it's okay we might lose something but gain another thing. you will still enjoy things just like anyone and have amazing opportunities to do things you love and there is a solution for everything. just dont give up.
coffeeprincess
June 22nd, 2016 2:33am
Reach out to people in the deaf community and listen to the stories of other deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals. In a world where hearing people are the majority, it can be hard to find representation and thus hard to find the inspiration to love yourself. Use online and community resources to find people who have experienced what you are experiencing. Be open to new ideas and world perspectives.
RJordan
June 29th, 2016 2:13pm
Losing any sense or physical ability often makes us feel like we don't have control of our own body. It makes it harder for us to accept, because we would then feel helpless and hopeless. However, I've found that focusing on improving our quality of life and those things that we CAN do, will help greatly with combatting helplessness, and thus lead to better acceptance. The mindset turns from 'I'm deaf/hard of hearing, I can't..." to "I'm deaf/hard of hearing, but I can..."
Anonymous
August 3rd, 2016 3:23am
Ahh yes. If it helps you can start writing about what this is like and share your stories with friends/family and find support groups . Get connecting eh
FinallyFiguringOutLife
August 28th, 2016 1:56pm
Accept who you are as a wonderfully beautiful creature God made. Sign language is a nice tool for deaf individuals too. I believe there is also a relatively new device called a cochlear implant to aid the hearing impaired to actually hear. Amazing stuff. Regardless I hope you can accept you for YOU. :)
Snowzee9
August 31st, 2016 7:27pm
The best way to accept a deaf person is to use body language sign language the best way that you know how.
CountingMySpoons
September 26th, 2016 12:33am
Find a support group! Find people that have the same in common. Talk with someone. You'll get there.
Anonymous
October 14th, 2016 12:33pm
Im 46 and have moderate hearing loss. It was only discovered when I was referred to Audiology for help with tinnitus. I accepted it well as I still have hearIng and I have a lot to be thankful. Also you can get small hearing aids that are very small and work well
TheSpoonTheory724
October 22nd, 2016 4:49pm
You can try things like group support, group chats, or even talking to a therapist that may help you work through things and help you accept your new normal.
Anonymous
October 26th, 2016 4:22pm
Well, not everybody is perfect. Everyone has a disability. I know its really hard but you will accept it.
AnimalLover90
February 18th, 2017 12:27am
One thing you can do is learn American Sign Language. That helps make communication easier (it's more visual). It's best if you learn with someone, but it's ok to learn alone too. Also, look for events in your area and connect with other deaf and hard of hearing people. That way you feel less alone and have people that you can relate to.
silverForest81
May 17th, 2017 12:07pm
Coming to terms to an illness, injury, or disability that is out of your control can be nerve breaking. Having served in the military, unfortunately, I have experienced significant hearing loss. Eventually getting treatment for severe hearing loss can be costly, including numerous doctor's visits and obtaining hearing aids. Accepting your condition is the first step to recovery. Adjustment to civilian life because of your injury can be a process, but with professional help you can find ways for others to help you. Confine in a friend and don't ever give up just because you have a disability.
kindRabbit11
June 11th, 2017 2:27pm
Beethovan was deaf, too! We now live in an age where hearing aids are very affordable and many are so discreet than they're barely visible if at all. So, problem fixed, no?
AKewlListener
August 19th, 2018 9:59pm
Well, it's never really easy to accept a disorder in which you have, but if you have hearing loss, you need to begin to think of methods of ways to live with it. For example learning sign language or begin to read lips. The human nature and well, all livings things adapt to their environment. So if you were to have hearing loss, it's best to not rather mourn over it, but to accept it and find a way in which you can either use it to your advantage or to overcome the obstacle which is in your way. Then again my experience with this specific topic is very feeble and I wish the best of luck to you.
Anonymous
August 23rd, 2017 12:09am
Being deaf/hard or hearing is nothing to be ashamed of. There are so many sources out there that can help you discover how to accept it and even help you flaunt it. Many people in the Deaf culture will be more than happy to help.
healingMusic73
September 22nd, 2017 10:32pm
Try and find people in your local Deaf community, claiming disability as identity can be really helped by seeking out the community around your identy. Talking to people who are going through and have been through similar experiences, and seeing those people thrive with their Deafness can make a huge difference.
Anonymous
January 10th, 2018 3:44am
You can accept that you are deaf and have hearing loss is by don't feel bad for what you don't have and be grateful for what you do have and just enjoy the life chosen and got created for you because everyone faces challenges everyday it may be different but in the end it depends on what choices you chose and how you are seeing your future if you look it in a negative way it won't get you far if you see the positive anything you desire from impossible will be possible there may be times when you stumble and fall but just get back up and try again.