Your question reminds me of a patient I recently saw. He refused to wear his hearing aids at work. When I asked why, he responded that he didn’t
want the guys to make fun of him. This
raised two questions in my mind.
First, would the guys at work really make fun of him? I think not.
Most people aren’t going to make fun of someone’s health issues. There
might be a little bit of good hearted ribbing.
But mostly, few if any will notice hearing aids. Hearing aids are small, discreet and well
camouflaged. Typically, if someone sees them, they are impressed by the aids.
Second, you can’t hide hearing loss from others. People know when you don’t hear or mishear. If he has a co-worker who would make fun of
someone with hearing aids, then he is likely making fun of him already for not hearing well. Wearing hearing aids will help, especially at
work. Those with untreated hearing loss
earn on the average $20,000 less per year than those who use hearing aids. Further, if someone is mishearing or misses information
all together, it leaves the impression that they are slow and/or stuck up. These are good reasons to use hearing aids especially at work.
This case is a good example of how the stigma of hearing
loss actually is a self-stigma. Self-stigma is self inflicted. A self-stigma threatens one’s perception of
self. The stigma exists because the
person with hearing loss feels misplaced shame, low self-esteem or even
depression. These feelings create a
desire to hide hearing loss. The desire to hide it leads to denial and blaming
others for mumbling or for having a soft voice.
The first step to getting past self-stigma is being honest
with one’s self, and recognizing and accepting hearing loss. Become informed on the impact of untreated hearing
loss; the loss of self-confidence, decreased earning potential, decreased
intimacy, decreased overall health, the impression you leave when you don't hear or mishear and more.
Understanding the many ways hearing impacts life can be a motivator to
seek help.
Life sounds great! Enjoy
every moment!
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Mentor, Ohio 44060
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