When you’re born with hearing, hearing loss can be extremely scary, whether it’s gradual or a sudden loss of hearing. The prospect of being unable to hear your children laughing, or picking up the phone as you normally would can be an extremely daunting prospect. While the loss of your hearing is very sad, it’s not the end of the world either. Thankfully, we live in an age where the world has adapted for those hard of hearing so that they can experience life as wholly as possible. So, what comes next after hearing loss? Take a look at these tips to help you through your journey.
Photo by Agung Pandit Wiguna from Pexels
Speak to your family
Naturally, you’ll want to let your family know about your diagnosis. Not only can they help you come to terms with what’s coming, but they can help support you through the coming months and years. Letting your family know as soon as possible will allow them to sort out any aids that will help you feel comfortable around them such as a microphone to wear around their neck so you can hear them properly.
Look up hearing aids
If hearing aids will help you gain some sort of normality, then now is a good time to begin looking for the right kind of hearing aid for you. Your audiologist will be able to give you some suggestions, and the type of hearing aid you get will depend on how severe your hearing is. However, thanks to today’s technology, you can get hearing aids that are virtually invisible, and you can even get bluetooth hearing aids! It’s important to find the right kind of hearing aid for your lifestyle, so choose carefully! Again, your audiologist will be able to advise further.
Learn sign language
Sign language is a great skill to have, regardless of whether or not you have hearing loss. It allows you to communicate with those that are deaf and most importantly, understand what deaf people are trying to say. Learning sign language will allow you to communicate with those around you. You may also encourage your loved ones to learn some basic sign language so that you’re able to clearly communicate if you’re unable to hear your voice when speaking.
Inform your employer
Your employer will benefit from knowing about your diagnosis because they can then put in the effort to make sure you’re still able to do your job properly. In most public areas of work, there are hearing induction loops that you can connect a hearing aid to. Your employer may be able to install one so that you can still perform your job as normal.
Research disability benefits
Finally, you may be able to claim disability benefits for your hearing loss. Check the guidelines with your local government to see if there are any benefits available to help make your life as easy as possible.
Hearing loss can be difficult to deal with but with these tips, and the support of your doctor and loved ones, you can get through this.
