Practical Tips for Dealing with Hearing Loss

When you first realize that you are losing your sense of hearing, chances are that you go through a period of mourning or self-pity. Why me, you wonder, and why now? But at some point you need to move beyond your sorrow and anger and figure out practical strategies for moving forward. The worst thing that you can do is let your current medical predicament overtake your life. So begin by having a long talk with your doctor, of course, and get yourself on a course of treatment. He or she might recommend hearing aids, therapy, or medicines depending on the specific issues you are having. But once you get home and you are on your own, there a lot of little, everyday things that you can do to help make life easier for yourself. Here is how to get started.

Tell people about your situation.

For most people, one of the biggest issues that their hearing loss presents is a blow to the ego. It makes them feel old, or like they are rapidly deteriorating. They do not want to tell friends, family members, or colleagues because they fear being seen as somehow different or weak. But this is something that you just need to get over. If someone does not realize that you are having trouble, they will speak softly and quickly and they will mumble, making it exceptionally difficult for you to understand what they are saying. You will end up having to ask them to repeat themselves over and over again, or you will simply miss out on what they are talking about. If your friends, close coworkers, and family members know about your situation, they are more likely to make small adjustments like speaking more clearly to help you along.

Get close.

One of the biggest reasons people have trouble hearing is when the people who are talking are standing too far away from each other. Now obviously you do not want to invade anyone’s personal space, but being willing to stand or a little bit closer is something that will help you enormously with your comprehension. Try to face your conversation partner square on as well, so that you can get a direct line on their voice and also watch their facial expressions.

Eliminate background noise.

This tip is especially true if you have a hearing aid. You want to turn off all radios, televisions, fans, dishwashers, etc. when having a conversation to make it easier for you to understand what is being said. These distractions not only make it more difficult to concentrate, but they actually bury the sound of the speaker’s voice, making it much more difficult to pick out. Based on this rule, if you are having any kind of important conversation – a job interview, a personal conflict, a serious discussion about a medical issue – do not choose to meet in a crowded restaurant or a busy public place.

Learn to read lips.

If you begin to lose your hearing later in life, you most likely are never going to be able to read lips like those who have been deaf from birth. But you might be surprised at how quickly you can catch on. Focus on the way people’s lips move as they speak to you. Often they can provide clues when you miss a word or two, and you will only get better at it as time progresses.

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