There are many reasons why people resist seeking help for
their hearing difficulties. Often,
hearing loss is perceived as a sign of aging or weakness. Sometimes they feel that with hearing aids will be viewed as less attractive or less competent. Putting off using hearing aids may be based
on what appears to be valid logic, i.e., “I’m too young!”, It’s not bad enough
yet!”, “No one I know likes their hearing aids.”, “We just can’t afford it
now!”, “My brother has a hearing loss and doesn’t wear hearing aids and he gets
along just fine!”. In reality, none of
these excuses amount to anything but procrastination, minimizing the problem in
order to justify not pursuing treatment.
Sadly, only 20 percent of people who have
hearing loss seek treatment through the use of hearing aids. This statistic alone, speaks volumes about
what a spouse and families endure. It
not only means louder TV, repeating throughout the day, filling in important
parts of conversations, it raises the anxiety levels of everyone in the family.
Struggling to communicate under these
circumstances is exhausting.
The real tragedy of untreated hearing loss is
the isolation that results from avoiding all the situations that make hearing a
challenge. The natural progression of
this is giving up more and more activities in order to operate within a
“comfort zone”. Coming to terms with
hearing loss is not an easy task.
Continue to be supportive and encourage loved ones to begin to accept
hearing loss and to seek treatment. They may be surprised at what they were
missing.
Life sounds great! Enjoy every moment!
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
Fax: 440-205-9818
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