EDUCATE YOUR HEARING LOSS!
I took a while to figure out in order to embrace my hearing loss that I had to increase my knowledge. Read, read, read!!! I had to know what type of hearing loss I had. What caused my hearing loss happened? Is it permanent? Do I need hearing aids? What is an audiogram and so much more. The more I read, the more I asked questions and the more I related with my Audiologist, the easier it became to accept my hearing loss. I also learned that I could benefit by grieving my hearing loss to deal with the emotional aspect of the stigma. This journey is different for everyone, so work with what helps you grow in your own journey with hearing loss. This is the first step after the initial diagnosis. I can not stress how important it is to educate yourself.
My hearing loss is called Sensorineural Hear Loss (SNHL). It has affected both ears. It’s caused by the damage to the inner ear. Higher pitched sounds are muffled and it's hard to pick out words against background noise. I have moderate-to-severe hearing loss, between 50-60 decibels. (dB) I have pulsatile tinnitus, which is a condition that makes a thumping sound with a beat, as opposed to a ringing sound in the ear. I wear behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. My hearing loss is permanent. The way I cope with my hearing loss is I wear my hearing aids daily, I look at lips, body language and facial expressions. Closed captions (cc) are a must to watch television and I self-advocate for myself in most group settings and the like. I have yet to depend on a text to type apps on my phone, however, I am prepare to use this resource. I prefer text to communicate with you or use closed caption (cc) to video talk.
Now that you have the information to move forward, you make sure to have an audiologist that meets your needs and is helpful throughout your hearing loss journey. Learning how to read your audiogram is important. You want to know your level of hearing loss. You should also understand the different types of hearing loss which might affect your hearing as well. It is important to keep informed about hearing assistive technology options. Technology is evolving with so many way to keep your lines of communication open and stay in touch. Research your options.
https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/assistive-listening-devices
Once you get in the frame of mind, take it one day at a time. It’s ok to reset, start over in the same day, have a cry day, stand up and speak up day, It’s advocating day, I need a break day. It’s your journey, make it yours, while creating the life you deserve.
