How a hearing loss is overcome depends on the type and degree of hearing loss. So the first thing that you need to do is seek advice.
If the hearing loss is permanent (for example age-related or noise-induced) then there are some important things that can be done to help overcome the loss.
We recommend that you read through these guidelines if:
- You yourself have a hearing loss
- You know someone who has a hearing loss - if you are a friend or family member then your encouragement is going to play a role in helping them to overcome their hearing loss. We have further advice for people helping someone else to overcome their hearing loss here.
- Accept the Hearing Loss
It may seem obvious but the first step to overcoming a hearing loss is recognising that you have one and that you need to do something about it. By accepting that you have one you can begin to make the positive changes to your life that will help you cope with your hearing loss. If you don't accept it, you will still end up making changes to your life but they will be negative ones, such as avoiding situations that will 'show up' your hearing difficulties.
- Don't think of your Hearing Loss as a stigma
Many people are reluctant to do something about their hearing loss because they see it as a sign of weakness or a disability. It's important to remember that hearing losses are perfectly normal as part of the aging process and almost half the population in the UK have developed one from about the age of sixty onwards. But it's not always a sign of aging... hearing losses can be caused by exposure to noises, certain medicines, disease and other reasons (see Things That Stop Us Hearing Properly).
- Don't be embarrassed to do something about it
Why is it that the thought of wearing a hearing aid puts people off doing something about their hearing loss, but most people don't mind wearing glasses when their eyesight deteriorates? It is far less embarrassing to wear a discreet hearing instrument (some of which are so small they can be hidden completely in the ear canal) than mishear something that someone says to you and say completely the wrong thing in response. The truth is, most people either won't even realise you're wearing a hearing aid or will think "At last, I won't have to keep repeating myself!"
- Don't give yourself unrealistic expectations
You must remember that if you have a permanent hearing loss, part of your hearing system is actually damaged and can't be repaired. Although modern hearing instruments are very good, they are an aid to hearing and not a replacement for your hearing system. This means that using a hearing instrument will never sound exactly the same as normal hearing. Which brings us naturally onto our next point...
- Practice, practice, practice...
Because a hearing aid will never sound exactly like the normal hearing you remember, it is important to wear it often so that your brain learns to correctly interpret the sounds it is now hearing. Also remember that for a period of your life you haven't been hearing certain sounds and your brain needs to get used to hearing them again, and learns to either ignore them (such as a clock ticking) or respond appropriately (e.g. the doorbell).
The people who overcome their hearing loss most successfully are those who wear their hearing instruments full time. They become partners with their hearing aids and learn to recognise the sound they make, the situations they work best in and what situations require extra help, like the visual clues from lip-reading or a loop system.
And don't forget, if there are situations that you still find difficult to hear in, speak to us. We're always ready to listen and help. It may be that we can 'fine-tune' your hearing aid or give you some timely advice that will help you to further overcome your hearing loss.
Next subject: How We Can Help You Hear Better
