Come to Terms with Hearing Loss Through the Grieving Process
Grief is intrusive, and there are many ways it can make its way into your life. While many people associate grief with losing a loved one, it can be present after any type of loss, including loss of hearing.
The 1969 book On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swedish-American psychologist, discusses how we process loss by moving through the five stages of grief. Below is an overview of how you can use the five stages of grief to come to terms with your hearing loss.
Stage 1: Denial
Hearing loss is a progressive condition, meaning it develops over time. In fact, many people develop hearing loss so slowly over the years, they don’t even recognize that they have it. It’s often the case that a loved one points out symptoms of hearing loss before the person experiencing it acknowledges they have a problem.
Because of this, many people with hearing loss make excuses for their symptoms, often asserting that people around them are mumbling or that they have a cold that’s making their ears feel plugged. But experts estimate this denial keeps most from seeking treatment for up to seven years after their hearing loss is first identified.
Stage 2: Anger
It’s not unusual for people with hearing loss to become angry when it is pointed out. This anger may be directed at a loved one for complaining about having to repeat themselves, or even to the doctor that delivers the news.
If you feel anger about your hearing loss, it’s important to not take it out on people who are not to blame. Consider seeing a counselor or writing in a journal to work out your feelings.
Stage 3: Bargaining
Some people begin “bargaining” with themselves or their doctor to try to restore their hearing. This can take many forms, like trying extra hard to make their ears “work,” vowing to start wearing hearing protection or Googling futile ways to boost hearing ability. While it’s always a good idea to wear hearing protection, there is nothing you can do to reverse the effects of hearing loss.
Stage 4: Depression
There is a well-established link between hearing loss and depression. Hearing loss causes many to withdraw socially, causing feelings of loneliness that can spiral into depression. Treating your hearing loss and working through your feelings with a therapist are the best things you can do to fight depression.
Stage 5: Acceptance
Once you reach the acceptance stage, you can finally move forward in your journey to better hearing. Today’s hearing aids have state-of-the-art features that will help you hear better with ease and connect you to all your essential devices.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call The Hearing & Balance Center today.