Welcome, Acceptance and Well-Being: A Three-Part Hearing Loss Guide

Part 1 of 3

by David Nicholas, RN, MSN

Welcome

When I lost my hearing – suddenly, after an injury – I didn't know what to expect. I was scared, in pain, and felt alone. Just having a conversation was difficult. I began to worry. I worried whether I could still be a nurse and provide for my family. I worried if I would now be able to succeed in my two favorite roles: being a father and a husband. I had always loved music – I wondered whether I would ever enjoy concerts again. Finally, between the tinnitus (high-pitched whining in my ears) and severe vertigo, I had to ask myself, would my life ever be “normal” again?

Ultimately, the answer was, “Yes!” Although I didn't choose to be on this journey through hearing loss, I would refuse to accept limits. My family supported me, and my team of medical professionals guided me. I have had to figure out many things through trial and error. I wish someone had given me a step-by-step guide that explained things in a way I could understand.

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, nearly 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. Yet, on average, people wait seven years before doing anything about it. I hope you are not one of these “seven-year” folks and choose to make things better now. This Hearing Loss Guide will provide some hints and tips on how you can address your hearing loss. We are part of the 48 million people working to find our way through hearing loss. It may not be a journey we chose, but we will make the trip better with determination and preparation.

Acceptance & Physical and Mental Well-Being

If you are new to hearing loss, whether it was sudden or just worsened over time, the fact that you’re reading this means you are beginning to accept you have it. I know you may not like it, but starting to accept it means making valuable progress. Congratulations!

You may feel overwhelmed. You may have struggled and even mourned. You may be fearful and anxious. These are all usual steps in coming to terms with change. However, I think the journey to acceptance may be the most challenging stage. The good news is that you can take steps to improve your situation now that you are beginning to accept it.

Unfortunately, even if you are beginning to accept it, depression, anxiety, and social isolation are often shared by those new to hearing loss. If you are struggling with any of these, I strongly recommend you:

1. Seek counseling or a therapist.

In-person (GoodTherapy can help you locate one)

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

2. Speak with your doctor, medications may help.

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

4. Lastly, if you are in a place of crisis, please text HOME to 741741 to reach a Crisis Counselor immediately.

Being in a healthy mental and emotional state will make the next steps easier.

Having your body as healthy as possible will also help you on your journey.

I recommend re-evaluating:

1. Your diet (poor nutrition can affect your hearing)

2. Your sleep (not hearing well can be physically exhausting)

3. 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.)

About the writer:

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.