Connect
← Return to Age old stigmas and myths about hearing loss that don't go away
Discussion
Age old stigmas and myths about hearing loss that don't go away
Hearing Loss | Last Active: Mar 5, 2021 | Replies (64)Comment receiving replies
My personal experience with my #1 pet peeve is for the first 2 years my husband and I were married, he would walk away still talking or just starting to make a comment or something. Even though I repeatedly asked him not to. So, finally my brain kicked into "how do I stop this?" I waited until he was down the hall or away enough so he could still hear me but not know what I said, and I said "mphfff, tsworly", ughmrp". Mumble mumble, loudly. (actually, I put my hands over my mouth and said "Kmart blue light special" because I remembered so many times they would get on the microphone and start out with that in the store but I couldn't understand the rest of it!) He turned around, came back, said "what?". I said "exactly". That's what I get when you walk away talking! It did not happen again!
Replies to "My personal experience with my #1 pet peeve is for the first 2 years my husband..."
It's unfortunate that hearing aid providers don't have time to hold orientation programs for both the person with hearing loss and their significant others. It's a time thing. Hearing loss is frustrating for us and for everyone with whom we associate. It's so important for us to be able to share our feelings and explain, clearly, what we need to make communication work. Once again, I point out how important it is to understand what is needed, and to also understand how fatiguing it is for a person with hearing loss to have to be on high alert at all times in order to participate in conversation.
HLAA provides a lot of support through its chapters. Learning you are not alone is a huge booster. Having your feelings of fear and frustration validated helps a great deal. Coming together to talk about 'it' in a communication accessible environment is extremely helpful. It also helps if our significant others will join us so they learn they are not alone with this either. Effective coping strategies don't come easy, but we can learn so much from each other.
Unfortunately, most HLAA chapters are not currently meeting in person due to COVID, but many are holding meetings via videoconferencing that can be attended by anyone. There is a lot of information on the HLAA website. If you're new to hearing loss, take time to explore the site. If you find there is a chapter in your geographical region, contact them. Being proactive about your hearing loss issues is so important. http://www.hearingloss.org
Connect
Oh classic! Maybe I should do that! My husband talks to me from another room or should I say scolds? Pet peeve! Of course I can’t answer because he can’t understand me.
And I can’t easily join him to return the favor because I’m disabled and mobility is not a strong suit due to severe pain and he KNOWS IT!