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It’s notoriously difficult to come to terms with a hearing loss. That explains why it takes an average of seven years for a hearing-impaired individual to seek help for their condition. It is however important to treat it as soon as possible to mitigate the long-term effects of untreated hearing loss, and the first step is admitting your hearing loss.
Why does it take so long to do this? The effects of hearing loss are often gradual and uneven; It can take years it to materialize and only the higher frequency sounds are initially lost. But when it does finally arrive, you won’t be able to get rid of it.
Living in denial
Many people genuinely don’t believe they have a problem with their hearing. They live in denial and are unable to acknowledge that their hearing is no longer what it used to be. Denial can stop an individual from receiving the assistance they need.
Even those who admit to themselves that they have hearing loss can feel too proud or too scared to acknowledge that they have difficulty listening to their families, friends, and loved ones. Change is not always simple to recognize, and it can be isolating to experience modifications in your hearing.
However, dealing with this change head on is important, as treating hearing loss brings significant benefits. If you are in this condition or suspect that your loved one may have unrecognized hearing loss, the following tips may make it easier to deal with.
1.Acknowledge your hearing loss with others
When you experience hearing loss, denial, frustration, helplessness, and even depression are common emotions to feel.
Understand that it is normal to have these feelings. You’re going to need time to deal with your loss of hearing in order to move forward constructively. Don’t be afraid to talk it over with your family, and describe the problems you’re having and how you’re feeling as a result.
2. Exercise Communication tips
There are several things you can do to make it easier for you to communicate with others.
Practice a multipurpose disclosure. Let your conversation partner know you have a hearing issue and that they can do certain things to help facilitate conversation.
Ask for other to get your attention first. Make sure loved ones call you by your name when they want your attention.
Look at people’s faces when talking. A person’s face and lips can give away a lot of contextual information. Use this to help you understand their words further.
Try to limit noise around you. When you want to have a conversation, try to do it in the quietest part of your surroundings. Maybe a table at the back of the restaurant will be best when you’re out at dinner. At home, reduce all distractions like TV, music and the sounds of other family members.
Repetition equals clarification. By repeating important information, you can confirm that it is correct. This removes the possibly of any embarrassing misunderstandings down the line.
3. Seek Professional Help
Although the tips above tips can make it easier to deal with hearing loss, they are most effective when used in tandem with help from a hearing professional. A professional consultation and examination are the only sustainable way to manage your hearing impairment.
One of the most effective ways to treat hearing loss is with hearing aids. There are so many benefits to wearing hearing aids, especially when used in conjunction with the communication tips listed above.
Hearing aids do not return your hearing to what it used to be, but they will significantly improve speech understanding, among other things. Sounds that you haven’t heard for a long time, like the singing of birds, the ringing of door bells, and the sound of running water may be heard again.
A hearing device helps improve the feeling of well-being of the user socially, psychologically and physically. It will be easier to interact with friends, family and loved ones, and you will feel more confident as you step out into the world.
Better Hearing Center
If you’re ready to take charge of your hearing, congratulations to you! We are on hand to help ease the transition with comprehensive hearing evaluations and expert fittings. We’ll also work with you to help you find the right hearing aid for your needs. Contact us today.