Guest Post | Unheard challenges that people with hearing loss experience

Embracing the unique experiences of living with hearing loss brings both beauty and the opportunity to overcome challenges, which in turn makes us stronger and helps make us who we are today.

The advancements in hearing technology today, such as the ReSound Nexia hearing aids and other assisted listening devices, are making living with hearing loss more manageable and comfortable.

In this blog, ReSound Digital Engagement Coordinator Annie Birnberg, who currently wears ReSound Nexia hearing aids and has worn ReSound hearing aids for 9+ years, shares her experiences with hearing loss. She offers insights into daily challenges and triumphs for those with hearing loss, along with tips for how family or friends can support those with hearing loss.

Here are some of the unique experiences I have had that other individuals with hearing loss also encounter that may not be understood by others:

Disclosing our hearing loss – Announcing or sharing our hearing loss can be challenging or embarrassing for some, but it shouldn’t have to be. There are misconceptions about hearing loss, which can make it uncomfortable to talk about. It’s important to share our hearing loss so others know we’re actively listening and participating in conversations. Since hearing loss is invisible, we may need to proactively explain it.

Embracing hearing loss – It can be understandable to feel embarrassed about having a hearing loss, especially when there are common misconceptions and stigma around it. It can also be challenging to ask for accommodations or to advocate for one’s self. However, it shouldn’t have to be, and we shouldn’t feel ashamed. Embracing our hearing loss can make us stronger, more resilient, and more confident. It’s part of what makes us unique and who we are today.

Advocating for ourselves – Advocating for ourselves and our hearing loss also teaches us resilience and builds confidence. We have to learn to communicate our needs, ask for accommodations, and find creative solutions to hear better. This empowers us to develop self-advocacy and navigate situations with confidence. It also allows others to show us support, ask where they can provide assistance along the way, and foster a sense of community and understanding.

Listening fatigue – Managing hearing loss can be exhausting, as it requires extra mental, physical and emotional effort to process auditory information and conversations. Taking breaks from noisy environments is important to give the brain time to rest. This may lead to quieter behavior or withdrawing from group settings, as individuals with hearing loss are working harder to listen and process the information. Some may also appear isolated during conversations as they focus on understanding what’s happening. This is some of the reasons why we may feel more tired than those with normal hearing. It’s important to make sure everyone feels included in the conversation.

Lip reading and focusing on other’s mouths – Reading lips and focusing on facial expressions enhances our communication skills and deepens our connection with others. It helps us better understand conversations and catch any potential mishearing or misunderstandings. Clear enunciation also helps us hear and comprehend what others are saying more effectively, as most of us read lips. We are always trying to find ways to hear and understand better, so if you see us staring at your lips or mouths, we are just trying to catch what you’re saying!

Embracing our uniqueness – Raising awareness about hearing loss allows us to educate others and build a supportive community. Sharing our experiences can help others understand and provide support when needed. It also helps give a glimpse of what living with hearing loss is like. When I was young, my hearing care professional, parents and deaf/hard-of-hearing (DOH) support teacher thought it’d be a great idea to explain to my classmates what it’s like to have a hearing loss and wear hearing aids by bringing in a children’s book that described it and to show what a hearing loss may sound like. It’s important to share our experiences, as it’s beneficial for all involved.

Being stereotyped for hearing loss – People with hearing loss are often misunderstood due to stereotypes, misinformation and common misconceptions. It’s important to break the stigma around hearing loss and deafness. These include assuming everyone with hearing loss uses sign language or read lips, believe that talking louder will help them hear better, and thinking that hearing aids or cochlear implants will fully restore hearing. Most of us with hearing loss would prefer getting asked questions about our hearing loss, rather than things being assumed. Remember that just because we have a hearing loss doesn’t mean we can’t hear you

Hearing loss can be frustrating for everyone – Hearing loss can be a source of frustration for everyone involved, but it’s important to approach it positively. Getting frustrated doesn’t benefit anyone, especially those with the hearing loss. It’s just as frustrating for us when we can’t hear anyone. For example, when we receive “eyerolls” in response for when we ask them to repeat themselves, it can be just as upsetting for us. Some people also tend to shrug off those with hearing loss when they ask to repeat something by saying “I’ll tell you later” or “not right now”; both of these phrases don’t help the situation either and make it harder for those with hearing loss to want to be a part of the conversation. We aren’t trying to make it frustrating; it just takes time and patience. We continue to learn effectively how to speak up for ourselves and work to improve our ability to hear you, to avoid misunderstandings, and to prevent further frustration.

Our hearing loss isn’t on purpose – Hearing loss isn’t intentional and can be caused by various reasons, such as aging, exposure to loud noises, genetics, infections, and other medical conditions. It can affect the ability to communicate, understand speech, and participate in daily activities. We don’t choose to struggle with hearing loss, I know I personally don’t, and it’s not our fault we can’t fully hear what’s being said the first time around. It’s not “selective hearing”. We assure you we’re actively listening and trying our best. While we may not respond right away, we’re actively processing and trying to understand what’s being said. For example, I typically tend to be a little quiet depending on the group setting, as I’m trying to listen and process what’s being said. I do participate as often as possible in the conversation, but other times it can be more overwhelming. Our hearing loss is not something we’d wish for anyone. It’s not a choice, and we’re actively working to improve our ability to hear and communicate effectively with others.

Living with hearing loss comes with its own set of challenges and beauty. The unheard struggles of individuals, like me, with hearing loss face are often overlooked, and it’s important to recognize and understand the difficulties we encounter.

While we wouldn’t wish hearing loss on anyone, it’s crucial to be patient, supportive, and respectful towards those navigating this journey. Only by walking in their shoes can one truly comprehend the daily obstacles and the triumphs we experience. Let’s continue to show empathy and compassion, as we learn and grow alongside those with hearing loss!

To learn more about what it’s like to live with hearing loss, visit: https://gnresoundblog.com/2023/12/18/guest-post-living-life-with-a-hearing-loss-and-while-wearing-hearing-aids/.