Realizing you are struggling with hearing loss can be a worrying time. After all, no one likes to think that their bodies aren’t working as they need them, whether this is the result of an accident or illness or simply an age-related issue.
With over 24 million people in the US alone thought to suffer from some form of hearing loss, be it mild, moderate, or severe, you’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean you need to struggle if you feel you are experiencing hearing loss. Hearing loss can be incredibly isolating, and it can have a detrimental effect on your quality of life and your mental health.
While you can visit an audiologist to determine your hearing level and find out our next steps, some people choose to avoid this route for financial reasons. This is why around 20% of adults who need hearing aids don’t wear them. While otc hearing aids are looking to become a reality making them more accessible to people struggling financially, it is essential to fully understanding otc hearing aids before taking the lunge, and audiologists recommend having a thorough hearing examination to assess your hearing before making any decision.
Whether you choose to invest in hearing aids for your hearing loss or not, the following tips can be beneficial for those experiencing mild to moderate loss and can help you learn to live with your new level of hearing.
Talk to Someone
Hearing loss can be incredibly isolating, and as such, you should talk to someone about what you are experiencing so they understand and can support you. Whether this simply means helping you book an appointment or changing how they interact with you to improve your ability to talk to them and understand what is going on, having someone there to support you can be invaluable.
Face People
If you struggle to hear in loud environments, make a point of facing people who are talking to you so you can watch them speak, giving you a better chance of following the conversation. Hand gestures, facial expressions, and lip reading can help you communicate easier with others, even if you are struggling to hear what they are saying audibly.
Write Things Down
If you need to, ask people to write things down. If you are worried you might miss anything, simply let the other person know you are struggling to follow and ask them to write something down for you so you don’t miss anything. In regards to calling people, it can often be easier to use messages or video calls, so you can reduce the need to make telephone calls if this is an issue for you.
Alternatively, use subtitles on the TV when watching to help you follow along with the conversation without increasing sound levels.
Conclusion
Living with hearing loss can be an adjustment for people to make. But by confiding in those around you, making changes to your daily habits, and getting medical assistance, you can resume normal activities as much as possible.
