In our last post, we discussed the realities of hearing loss and shared some advice aimed at helping you adjust more easily to the changes you are experiencing.
In this post, we want to continue with that theme and offer a couple of additional suggestions that can be of great benefit to you.
The first one is to set realistic expectations for yourself.
As Americans, we’ve all been taught that we can be and do whatever we want to be and do. And while there is a great deal to be celebrated about that mentality, when it comes to accepting our limitations, in can be a hindrance.
The truth is that as you deal with hearing loss, it’s important to come to terms with your limitations. Why?
Because it’s only when you reach the point of knowing what you cannot do that you can begin to understand what you can do. Until you have this epiphany, you will grow increasingly frustrated.
What sort of unrealistic expectations do people with a hearing loss have?
“There is a miracle cure for hearing loss.”
Hearing loss is caused by a variety of factors and finding a cure depends on the cause. For example, deafness that has been caused by a blockage of wax in the ear, an infection, or a perforation of the ear- drum may be curable. However, most kinds of hearing loss are permanent; there is no miracle cure.
“Hearing aids give you perfect hearing.”
A hearing aid can and will help you to hear better but it cannot restore perfect hearing. The only perfect hearing aid is a human ear!
The answer to unrealistic expectations is – be reasonable! Life is so much easier when you are.
A second and equally important tip is to be assertive.
Assertiveness is empowering because it requires you to take responsibility for good communication without apologizing for having hearing loss. After all, there is no need to feel guilty and you shouldn’t act like it!
The best way to be assertive when it comes to hearing loss is to clearly state your needs and be willing to ask for help.
Like anyone else you have the right to:
- State your needs
- Be treated with respect
- Make a request
- Be honest
- Ask for help
- Make mistakes
- Be less than perfect
- Have satisfying relationships
- Change
- Speak for yourself
If you are wondering how to adjust to your hearing loss or have been struggling to do so, now is the time to take action. Read and re-read these suggestions and then put them in to action. It will make a world of difference for you and those around you!
We refuse to settle for less than the best and we hope you will do the same.
