Moving Forward / Communicating Effectively

Part 3 of 3

by David Nicholas, RN, MSN

If you have followed our previous posts (Post 1, Post 2), you are on a path to a healthy physical, mental, and emotional space. You have built your team of hearing professionals. You have had a hearing test. And you may have learned if technology can help you; congratulations – you are moving forward! Now we will work with some strategies to help you communicate effectively.

Identify Yourself

When my hearing loss was new, I pretended it wasn't there. As a result, I couldn’t always completely understand when people were talking to me. If I didn't wholly hear a question or someone's comment, I would take my best guess and roll with it. I would nod my head and add a "that's great!" and laugh, or add a "how horrible!" slowly shaking my head. Seventy-five percent of the time, it worked great – but when it didn't work, it failed hugely! I have also accidentally completely ignored people talking to me. They didn't know I couldn't hear them and assumed I was angry or rude – or both!

Step boldly into your hearing loss – and let everyone know about it. It's not a weakness, and it's not embarrassing. On the contrary, it may be the most empowering thing you can do. Announce your hearing loss proudly and matter-of-factly. Tell people how to talk with you and how to get your attention. Tell them where you can hear them the best and if seeing their eyes or mouth makes things easier. Tell them if you use technology or devices and how they help you. Some people go as boldly as to get tattoos proclaiming their lack of hearing. Though I'm not there yet, if that works for you, do it! In my experience, the people around you will bend over backward to help, but only if they know how.

Plan Well

You will learn what works best for you as you navigate better. I strongly recommend you write down all the things that help with communication and then use them daily.

If you have an event to attend, show up early, and pick the best seat. Make sure you have your technology and devices on hand. Bring extra batteries or chargers if needed. Bring your sense of humor – something will probably go wrong, but be in the frame of mind that you can laugh about it. Bring a wingman – someone close to you who understands your hearing loss and can help you. Come rested – nothing tends to work well when you're tired. Practice what you can quickly say to others to let them know about your hearing loss. Finally, relax and have fun.

Find (and use) Local and Online Resources

There is a wealth of info out there. I strongly suggest getting to know Oklahoma’s best resource for the deaf and hard of hearing, the TSHA. They have a wealth of support for you. Many books are available, and I can recommend Hear & Beyond: Living Skillfully with Hearing Loss by Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan. There are also many online resources. Two fantastic websites are Hear-it.org and hearingloss.org. On Facebook - two great groups are Hearing Loss Community - HLC, and Community for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Take Time for Yourself

Hearing loss can be exhausting. Communicating when you don't hear well takes a lot of energy. Be kind and patient with yourself. Take breaks. Take steps to protect any remaining hearing you have. Be careful with medications because some can further damage hearing (ototoxic). Ask a pharmacist or physician about every single medication you are taking or is suggested for you. And, search for and find both the humor – and the blessings – for this journey. They are there; you just need to look for them.

Conclusion & Checklist

Being on a new journey that involves hearing loss is hard. But, there are so many ways to make things better. Don't mistake putting off hearing loss treatment — you may miss out on the opportunity to enjoy better health and more happiness. Better yet, if you have new hearing loss, take heart in knowing that a wealth of information is now readily available to help you move forward confidently. So many wonderful possibilities are waiting for you in the world of hearing loss, so don't be afraid to take advantage of them!

Checklist

Mental Health

Seek counseling or a therapist

In-person (GoodTherapy can help you locate one)

Online or text-based (BetterHelp, TalkSpace, & AmWe

Speak with your doctor – medications may help

Utilize your faith or spiritual support if that's relevant to you

If you are in crisis, text HOME to 741741 to reach a Crisis Counselor immediately

Physical Health

Your diet (poor nutrition can affect your hearing),

Your sleep (not hearing well can be physically exhausting),

Your physical activity and other Stress Reducers (yoga, meditation, etc.)

(The Book How to Be Well: 6 Keys to a Happy and Healthy Life by Frank Lipman, MD, is an excellent resource for all of the above)

Hearing Professionals

Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT) Physician

Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist

Before your first visit, make a list of your:

Physicians

Allergies

Medications (including strength and times)

Personal and family medical history

Other symptoms, like tinnitus or vertigo

Write down when hearing loss began and when it’s the most challenging

List all of your questions – yes, all of them

Bring a family member or friend to that appointment if available

Hearing Test

Relax – it’s easy

Get a copy of the results, store a copy on your phone

Technology

So much technology is available

Don’t be scared to experiment

Keep extra batteries & other components with you

Communicating Effectively

Identify yourself – let others know you have hearing loss

Plan well

Show up early

Pick the best seat

Have your technology and devices on hand. (Bring extra batteries or chargers!)

Bring your sense of humor.

Bring a wingman – someone who understands your hearing loss

Come rested

Practice what you can quickly say to others to let them know about your hearing loss.

Relax and Have Fun

Use Your Resources

Get to know the TSHA.

Consider reading the book: Hear & Beyond: Living Skillfully with Hearing Loss by Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan.

Check out online resources: Hear-it.org and hearingloss.org, Facebook’s Hearing Loss Community - HLC, and Community for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

In closing, it has been an honor to work with you on part of your journey! What questions do you have? What tips have helped you on your hearing loss journey? Reach out to me with your questions, suggestions, and tips at: David@TheNicheWriters.com.

David Nicholas, RN, MSN, has worked in healthcare for more than 25 years. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Angelo State University. He is passionate about people and living well and he oversees one of the most successful rehabilitation hospitals in the Southwest. Five years ago, David already had partial hearing loss in his right ear but then suffered complete hearing loss in his left ear. He is married with two children and a pack of unruly dogs. He loves to barbecue, spend time with his family and help others.