What are the problems of a hearing loss? How does a hearing problem affect your communication in your relationships at home, work, or in recreation/leisure activities?
Is the hearing loss just a sensory reduction in hearing or a barrier to your relationships?
To recognize the impact a hearing loss has on your relationships consider the following questions:
- How is the hearing problem obvious to others?
- How do others react?
- How does it affect your relationship with them?
- How does it affect their relationship with you?
- What emotions do you think they feel?
- What emotions do you feel? (Frustration, isolation, anger, reliance on others to tell you what you missed, fear of embarrassment, fear of being left out, stigma of not hearing or of appearing old.)
Consider how improved hearing would help reduce communication difficulties and improve the ease of conversation. The goal of hearing instruments is not just to “hear better.” It is an improved ease of communication that is more relaxed and less stressful.
Hearing aids allow greater ease in communicating with others. Easier communication improves relationships and helps reduce frustration.
