If you’ve noticed that you have signs of hearing loss, you aren’t alone. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NICDC), nearly 15% of American adults aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing.
While hearing loss is common, it can still bring up many fears in people experiencing the condition. Let’s go over a few common hearing loss concerns, as well as how to face your fears and take control of your hearing health.
Common Hearing Loss Concerns
One of the most common fears people with hearing loss have is that others will view or treat them differently because of their difficulty hearing. This can manifest in thoughts such as:
- People will think I am old or less capable because of my hearing loss.
- Family and friends won’t want to spend time with me anymore because I have trouble understanding what they are saying.
- My employers and coworkers will view my hearing loss as a weakness and not trust me with important assignments.
Other fears often center around how hearing loss may impact your quality of life. You might worry that you won’t be able to enjoy the activities you love, like going to the movies, listening to music or meeting up with friends for a fun evening out at Olives Bistro.
Lastly, your worries may focus on your health. You may have concerns about your hearing loss continuing to get worse. Or perhaps you’ve read how hearing loss is associated with other health issues like balance problems and cognitive decline.
Combating Hearing Loss Fears
While these fears are understandable, the good news is that with the right amount of knowledge and proper treatment, you can manage your hearing loss and get back to enjoying your life.
One of the first steps is to acknowledge your fears. You can do this in many different ways, from writing it down in a journal to confiding in a family member or close friend or even speaking with a counselor. Being open about your concerns can be a freeing experience that gives you the confidence to take the next steps toward treating your hearing loss.
When you are ready, the first step towards treatment is to schedule an appointment for an audiological examination, where a specialist will examine your ears and administer a hearing test. These exams are quick and easy and offer immediate insight into both the cause and severity of your hearing loss.
Afterward, you and your audiologist can go over your results and work together to find the right pair of hearing aids that can best meet your needs and is designed to custom fit your ears and work with your lifestyle.
To learn more about how hearing aids can help you or to schedule an appointment for a hearing test, call Sound Advice today.