How does hearing loss change you?

Thanks for getting back to me. I have some decisions to make soon. The CI could be the way I go.

I am 85 and the CI was the best thing that I ever did. I have had no regrets at all. I had this done in 2022. It's not perfect either in noisy situations but my hearing loss in both ears it was necessary. Good luck!

it completely changed my life and i went from being extrovert to introvert and non social after losing my hearing then on top of that my husband divorced me and the judge gave him my kid due to me not being able to work

Have a family history of hearing loss along with not wearing hearing protection while working in industrial environments. At 50 I qualified for hearing aids but did not buy any until 55. I am 66 and on my third pair. Hearing getting worse every year. How has it changed me? You need to consistently adjust your thought pattern. I love my family and friends and need to consistently let them know where I’m at…I have 15 grandkids and all of them need to be reminded of my hearing! Last week I babysat my 4 year old granddaughter and had a wonderful time! A quote I will never forget from her: “Grandpa did you just hear what I said?” I replied: “Yes dear, you want an ice cream cone!” Precious memory! Keep your focus on other people around you and not yourself! It is just something we are dealt in our life!

My thoughts as well. A more general question is not only how hearing loss affects an individual's mind and body, but also the impact of it on the rest of the world that person has to live and work in. Think about the endless social, communications mediums, work environment, sound environments to navigate, etc. I'm sure most people blessed with good hearing can't begin to appreciate hearing loss, but that's human nature as with all the human afflictions you understand better once you acquire them yourself. So a hearing impaired person learns that and is eventually trained to anticipate communication and social interaction difficulties to alleviate them in my experience. I still drive my wife crazy though!

Don't know where to start. In my 70's & have had a hearing problem most of my life. Have had hearing aids for 10 years & they have helped a lot. Tested for cochlear & told I am not a good candidate. So I still struggle with certain situation, places, people - you know what I mean. Have a group of lady friends who are all aware & considerate of my problem, so consider myself lucky. But...I had a situation with my son 6 months ago. I didn't hear a comment, continued talking, and was screamed at by my son to 'shut up.' I was frightened - and embarrassed as other family members were there. Our relationship has been strained since & I have not been back to their home. I asked him for a face to face conversation & was ignored. I'm a tough old bird - have a bit of pride - so telling me to 'suck it up' & move on doesn't settle well with me. I think I am entitled to a degree of respect. God forbid I hope anyone listening has not experienced this. But I really would appreciate feedback.

Hearing loss is a tough disability and many think hearing loss is a sign of not being intelligent. When I moved into a new neighborhood I told them I had hearing loss. Some thought that meant I was stupid. I never associated with those neighbors because you cannot retrain someone with those feelings. The best one can do for oneself is to join the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). You meet folks who have hearing loss and learn how they accommodate this disability. There are many items for you to choose and you also learn how to purchase a hearing aid /cochlear implant. Now you feel that you are not the only one with hearing loss. It is a fantastic organization. There are many accommodations now with captioning on TV, attending movies, or live plays.
If someone on the job makes fun of you they can now be fired.

Scotty, all you wrote is so very true i would imagine for all of us. I started with hearing aids about 25 years ago and it was good but of course it became worse over time until Doctor turned to me when I picked up my current pair and said have you ever thought Cochlear Implants and I was dumbfounded . One of the things I had accomplished over the years was lip reading. I am not 100% but the assist really helps as it forces you to look at the speakers mouth. That of course leads to discomfort on the speakers part but a quick apology and short explanation normally solves that problem.. Between the hearing aids and. Supported by lip reading things are much better. There are several on line free sites and if you follow their program on a daily bases hopefully you will be amazed at how you pick it up. We all use it to some degree naturally and with some professional help we find our selves much happier. somanod10

Marianne, What you wrote sounds so familiar! My husband and I are the same age as you and his hearing has become progressively worse, It really is a problem for both of us! It seems to affect me more than him, however, he just doesn’t express how he feels about it! I am trying to be as patient as possible and having join this group is already helpful to me and understanding what he is going through!
Thank you,
Rivian

Scott, my husband‘s hearing is getting worse and worse and he “drives me crazy”too, but I’m trying very hard to be patient!
Thanks for sharing!
Rivian