Embarking on the journey to address hearing loss is a deeply personal and transformative experience that can stir many emotions. If you’re among the 15% of U.S. adults experiencing hearing loss, you understand the profound exhaustion of struggling to piece together conversations, hear the specials at Fausto Coffee or even listen to the television.
If your hearing specialist has diagnosed you with hearing loss, they may recommend hearing aids. These remarkable devices amplify speech sounds and reduce background noise to bring you a world of accessible communication.
Beginning hearing loss treatment, while a wonderful experience, may cause more emotions than you would initially expect. Let’s discuss a few of these emotions and how you can manage them for the easiest transition possible.
The Emotions of Hearing Aids
A few emotions you may experience in your first few weeks with hearing aids include:
- Relief. Many people feel relief once they start wearing hearing aids because they can hear sounds they’ve missed.
- Excitement. There’s often excitement about the prospect of participating more fully in conversations, hearing music more clearly and engaging in social activities with greater ease.
- Nervousness. There might be some nervousness or anxiety about wearing hearing aids for the first time, especially if you’re self-conscious about how they look or unsure about how they’ll feel or function.
- Frustration. Initially, wearing hearing aids can be an adjustment. Some people may feel frustrated as they get used to the new sensations and sounds and may need time to adapt to wearing the devices.
How Can I Manage These Emotions?
Experiencing relief, excitement, nervousness and frustration all at once, or one right after the other, can leave you a little emotionally exhausted. It’s important to remember that everyone goes through an acclimation period while they get used to their devices. Over time, these emotions will likely subdue, and you will be free to enjoy your new hearing aids. In the meantime, consider a few of the following strategies to help you process your emotions:
- Keep a journal to document how you feel each day.
- Talk to your loved ones about how you feel.
- Consult your hearing specialist if your devices are not working effectively.
- Take short breaks from your devices.
By paying attention to your emotional state, confiding in your loved ones, reaching out to your hearing specialist and taking short breaks from your devices, you can help make your transition into hearing aids much easier.
Contact Carolina Ear Nose & Throat – Sinus and Allergy Center today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists for a consultation and treatment plan.