3 Things to Know About Hearing Loss
With hearing loss, you're missing out on so much more than just your hearing
S. Braswell
Don't wait for your wake up call to treat your hearing loss
1. Your Relationships with Family and Friends Can Be Affected by Hearing Loss
The “Golden Years” means time to create golden moments with your family and friends—especially your grandchildren. Spending quality time with your grandchildren not only boosts your mood, it also does wonders for your overall health. Each moment you spend with those you love is so precious, and that's why it's important to maximize every interaction. But the inability to communicate because of hearing loss can hinder your ability to connect with your grandchildren…and the rest of the outside world. This can leave you feeling isolated, frustrated and sometimes depressed.
- If you have hearing loss and are having difficulty having meaningful conversations, here are a few things that can help you make that special connection:
- Let your family know that you are having trouble understanding them properly so they can adjust their communication habits
- Share your concerns with your doctor, who may refer you to a specialist
- If suggested, make and keep an appointment with a hearing specialist
2. Hearing Loss Can Have an Impact on Your Job Satisfaction
Believe it or not, hearing loss can impact your job. Your inability to properly hear and communicate at work can often lead to decreased job satisfaction.
Most people will begin treating their hearing with hearing aids, however sometimes that's not enough. When hearing aids aren't the solution, not all is lost. There is a device called a cochlear implant, which works differently than hearing aids. Rather than amplifying sound like a hearing aid, they use sophisticated software and state-of-the-art electronic components to help provide access to the sounds you’ve been missing. Cochlear implants are designed to help you hear better and understand speech in all situations, including noisy environments.
There are a few easy steps to help ensure your hearing loss does not impact your job/employment satisfaction:
Have an honest conversation with your employer about your hearing loss. Being upfront helps maintain trust. And you never know: Your employer might have some tools or resources that can help you perform in the workplace.
Have a doctor trained in cochlear implants evaluate your hearing. The doctor can run a series of tests to help pinpoint your particular hearing issues and come up with a treatment plan.
S. Braswell
3. Isolation and Loneliness Is Often a Common Side Effect of Hearing Loss
Not being able to have meaningful conversations can be terribly frustrating, and you might want to give up. It can be tempting to isolate yourself when understanding the world around you becomes too difficult to decipher. But isolation is never the solution.
Instead of closing yourself off from the world, there are many things you can do to stay engaged and connected with your community:
- Find a community center such as a local YMCA that offers weekly activities such as aerobics class, game night, and book clubs. Some churches and community groups offer transportation to events so you don't have to put up with the stress of driving.
- Practicing meditation and mindfulness are great ways to combat depression, while yoga and tai chi can help you tune into your inner self while improving strength and flexibility.
- Don’t accept hearing loss as part of getting older, talk to your doctor and find a solution.
Hearing loss can create communication challenges, but with diagnosis and treatment, you can restore your quality of life, keep your spirits high, and make sure you don't miss out on life's most meaningful moments. Remember: Just because you have hearing loss doesn't mean it has to have you.
S. Braswell