Embarrassed by Hearing Loss? Time for Change!
A recent study by the International Campaign for Better Hearing found that among the respondents from 10 countries, 74% stated that they have been embarrassed by their hearing loss. It’s actually amazing that the figure is not higher.
So, what or who makes people feel that way? Hearing loss itself or the attitudes of those around them?
Nothing good comes of it
For those with hearing loss, embarrassment can be devastating in many ways. People may feel humiliated by their communication issues. They may even feel responsible for something that they can’t heal or control.
Feelings of shame and unease may arise in response to the critical and dismissive attitudes of others and breed resentment against them. This may well include family members and friends who often mock those who struggle with their hearing.
Public education and awareness lagging
Even in our world of increased focus on disabilities and challenges, the embarrassment that is often tied to hearing problems speaks to the fact that public awareness and sensitivity education on hearing loss lag way behind the education for other disabilities.
Hearing loss is a silent, painless and invisible communication issue. As such, it does not rank highly on the public health education list. Those who want help are well advised to get busy and start helping themselves.
Time for change – Join forces
You’re not alone! Joining others who understand the challenges and frustrations of hearing loss breaks the cycle of negative feelings and reactions tied to the condition.
Learning about hearing loss helps harness emotions, provides skills for daily living, teaches effective ways of communication and opens the world of technology. The experience rebuilds self-confidence, which empowers people to stand up for themselves.
With a mission of education, support and advocacy, the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is there for us in the United States. My life changed the day I joined our local Chapter. Might there be a Chapter near you? For those who live in other countries, find out about your hearing loss support groups.
Meanwhile, it is important to pay forward what you know already. Building on first-hand experience with hearing loss, become the educator and sensitivity trainer in your family and community. It’s amazing how social opportunities can be turned into teaching moments.
In the end…
There is no gain in embarrassment and shame. As Dr. Phil McGraw rightfully warns: ” We teach people how to treat us.” For the hard-of-hearing people, the time has come to shed the embarrassment, to change the dialog and to step up for change.
*****
For Industry Safety Presentations on Noise-induced Hearing Loss Prevention or for group presentations, see this website: www.hearing-loss-talk.com ; email at
To learn about ears and hearing and technology, please see my book on hearing loss: What Did You Say? An Unexpected Journey into the World of Hearing Loss, now in its second updated edition. Sharing my story and what I had to learn the hard way. Also available on Kindle