Throughout my journey with hearing loss, I faced numerous challenges but also discovered ways to overcome them with resilience and optimism. Today, as a cochlear implant user, I can hear and understand perfectly, but I will never forget the difficulties I faced the times I was a hearing aids user. Here, I share the top ten frustrations of livinh with hearing loss and how I overcame them, hoping to inspire and encourage those still facing these battles.
Top 10 FRUSTRATIONS of living with hearing loss
- Difficulty Following Group Conversations
- Feeling of Social Isolation
- Challenges in the Workplace
- Insecurity While Driving
- Barriers in Telephone Communication
- Challenges in Academic Life
- Disadvantage in Recreational Activities
- Challenges in Noisy Environments
- Problems with Hearing Aids
- Stigma and Misunderstanding
Difficulty Following Group Conversations
I often felt lost during group conversations, unable to keep up with the fast flow of verbal exchanges. I developed lip-reading skills and started using personal amplification devices. Additionally, I learned to position myself strategically in quieter areas.
Feeling of Social Isolation
The feeling of isolation was constant, especially in noisy social environments where I couldn’t fully participate. I sought support in groups for people with hearing loss, where I found understanding and friendship. Being part of these communities helped me feel less isolated. I ended up creating the largest digital community of people woth hearing loss in Brazil, Clube Surdos Que Ouvem.
Challenges in the Workplace
I faced challenges understanding my colleagues and clients, which affected my productivity and confidence at work. I adopted assistive technologies like FM systems and requested adjustments in the workplace, such as meetings in quieter locations and using written communication when necessary.
Insecurity While Driving
I felt insecure while driving, especially when I couldn’t hear sirens or horns. I ensured my mirrors were always adjusted for better visibility and, while driving, I was always wearing my hearing aids!
Barriers in Telephone Communication
Phone conversations were particularly challenging, often leading to misunderstandings and frustration. When I was 18, I was not able anymore of talking on the phone. I switched for text messages and emails for communication whenever possible.
Challenges in Academic Life
Following classes and lectures was difficult as I often couldn’t clearly hear the teachers. I used to request notes from classmates and I studied a lot at home.
Disadvantage in recreational activities
Participating in recreational activities, such as watching movies or going to shows, was often frustrating due to the lack of clear sound. At home, I opted to watch movies with subtitles.
Challenges in noisy environments
Restaurants and noisy social events made it almost impossible to hold a conversation. I chose restaurants with quiet areas and informed friends about my condition, suggesting quieter places for gatherings.
Problems with hearing aids
Dealing with the constant maintenance and adjustment of hearing aids was frustrating, as well as dealing with progressive hearing loss. I kept a strict maintenance schedule and always carried extra batteries. Additionally, I maintained a close relationship with my audiologist for frequent adjustments.
Stigma and misunderstanding
I faced prejudice and a lack of understanding from many people who were unaware of the nuances of hearing loss. As it was not their responsability to know details about my disability, I educated those around me about my condition and how they could help, promoting greater awareness and empathy.
Each challenge strengthened me and prepared me to embrace the technological solutions that eventually transformed my hearing experience. Today, I celebrate the clarity and joy of hearing, but I never forget the lessons learned along the way. Perseverance, the support of a caring community, and the adoption of practical solutions were crucial in overcoming adversities and achieving a full and rewarding life.
ANY QUESTIONS?
Paula Pfeifer is a brazilian deaf writer, a Social Scientist, content strategist, speaker and consultant. She is also a accessibility and disability advocate. She lives in Rio de Janeiro with her husband – Dr. Luciano Moreira, ENT fully focused on hearing loss and hearing surgeries – and has a son, Lucas. Two of her books about hearing loss, hearing aids and cochlear implants can be found in english and spanish in Kindle. Support Paula Pfeifer’s work. You can support here!
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