Hearing loss, whether gradual or sudden, can be terrifying if you were born with it. The prospect of not being able to hear your children laugh or pick up the phone as you usually would can be extremely frightening. While losing your hearing is unfortunate, it is not the end of the world. Thankfully, we live in an age where the world has adjusted to accommodate those who are deaf or hard of hearing so that they can fully participate in society. So, what happens when you lose your hearing? Take a look at these pointers to help you on your way.
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Look up hearing aids
If you think hearing aids will help you regain some sense of normalcy, now is a good time to start looking for the right one for you. Your audiologist will make recommendations, and the type of hearing aid you receive will be determined by the severity of your hearing loss. Hearing aids that are nearly invisible, and even bluetooth hearing aids, are now available thanks to modern technology. It’s critical to find the right hearing aid for your lifestyle, so do your research! Your audiologist will be able to provide you with additional information.
Consider learning sign language
Whether you have hearing loss or not, knowing sign language is a valuable skill to have. It enables you to communicate with deaf people and, more importantly, to comprehend what they are trying to say. You will be able to communicate with those around you if you learn sign language. You should also encourage your loved ones to learn some basic sign language so that you can communicate clearly even though you can’t hear your own voice.
Speak to family members
You’ll obviously want to inform your family about your diagnosis. They can not only assist you in coming to terms with what is to come, but they can also provide support in the months and years ahead. Notifying your family as soon as possible will allow them to arrange any necessary aids to make you feel more at ease around them, such as a microphone to wear around their neck so you can hear them clearly. They may also want to learn more about hearing loss and how it might affect them.
Inform your boss
Knowing about your diagnosis will benefit your employer because they will be able to put in the necessary effort to ensure that you can continue to do your job properly. Hearing induction loops can be found in most public areas of work and can be used to connect a hearing aid to. Your employer may be able to purchase one for you so that you can continue to work normally.
Enquire about benefits
Finally, your hearing loss may qualify you for disability benefits. Check with your local government to see if there are any benefits that may be available to make your life easier.
Hearing loss is a difficult condition to live with, and with these tips and the help of your doctor and loved ones, you can manage it.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.