Wednesday, July 19, 2017

A Quieter Life - Learning To Cope With Hearing Loss

Even minor chronic conditions and changes in health can require a transformation in your lifestyle. So, it’s no surprise that a lot of people who go through hearing loss, whether partial or complete, face some big changes. Thankfully, there’s a lot of information, support, and assistance on how to make the transition into a life better suited for you. Here are a few bits of wisdom shared on learning to accommodate hearing loss.


Anticipate and fix those communication problems

There will be issues in communicating, even with those who have long known about your hearing loss. Remember that no-one’s trying to be rude and be patient with them. But you should be assertive, too. If you’re facing communication problems, let them know about your hearing difficulties and share tips on how to communicate better with you. This includes communicating in a space with more light, using longer sentences instead of one-word replies, and a need to ensure they have your attention before they start communicating with you. You’ll find your own individual needs as you learn the limitations imposed by your hearing loss, but the most important part of them is feeling confident in communicating them. A lot of people shy away, feeling like they are asking a lot, but those who communicate with you want to make sure they’re understood and to understand as much as you want it.

Take care of your tech

If you have partial hearing loss, then learn more about the hearing aids you purchase and how you’re going to service them over time. For instance, many will take their hearing aid issues directly to a specialist who tends to offer better deals on repairs and even free replacements of parts like the tubing. You will want to find someone who is able to offer a free loaner while you’re waiting for a replacement or a repair, too.

Make the home yours

In the home, you can adapt the space to much better fit your needs than the outside world can often offer. Some changes to equipment might be essential. For instance, if you have a home phone, you can get a portable receiver that lights up when you get a call. To stay safe, remember to adapt your smoke detectors, too. Even if your hearing aid helps you with partial deafness, many tend to take their aids out when sleeping for comfort’s sake. Newer models of adaptive detectors include strobe lighting or even pads that you place under your pillow that vibrate when the alarm is triggered.

Find those who know your needs

Sometimes, frustration, stress, fears, and depression rear their ugly head. It’s a period of great upheaval, it’s only expected. If you’re going through some rough emotions, it’s important to know that you don’t have to be alone. Sharing your experiences at your local Hearing Loss Association can help you receive a lot of helpful advice and support not only on practical needs and changes but the emotional side of coping, too.

It’s a big change, one that will require a new dynamic to existing relationships, new barriers in using the home, and even facing some uncomfortable emotions. Just remember that there are plenty of people out there who can help you get through it by sharing their own experiences of hearing loss.

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