It is well-documented that treating hearing loss leads to improved mental health, cognitive health, physical health, professional success, social connections and personal independence, among a myriad of other benefits. However, these kinds of quality-of-life improvements don’t happen all at once. In fact, regaining your confidence in social situations can take some time. Let’s discuss some ways to build confidence now that you’re hearing better.
Celebrate Every Victory
Hearing loss can cause you, consciously or unconsciously, to begin pulling away from your social connections. This could look like declining invitations, not answering phone calls or staying quiet during group conversations. With hearing aids, socializing becomes much easier; speech amplification and background noise suppression make conversations clearer than ever.
With that in mind, give yourself credit whenever you opt in to a social event, pick up the phone or chime in on a conversation. Don’t take those small victories for granted. Instead, see them for the successes that they are, the signs that you’re not being slowed down by your hearing loss.
Share How You Feel
We understand that beginning hearing loss treatment is a big life change. It’s natural and healthy to feel a range of emotions with a big life change; what isn’t healthy is to repress those emotions. In the wake of your hearing loss diagnosis, you may have felt anything from sadness to anger to disbelief to relief, or some combination of all of those.
To understand these emotions and take steps toward expressing them in a healthy manner, you should find someone to talk to, such as a friend, loved one and/or professional. Deepening your understanding of your own feelings will boost your confidence more than you might expect.
Communicate Smartly
While hearing loss treatment will drastically improve your hearing, it will not permanently restore your hearing. Therefore, a powerful way to boost your confidence and communication skills is to learn how to communicate effectively. We have a guide on communication strategies, including items like maintaining eye contact and speaking slowly and clearly. It’s also good to learn how to use body language and other communication techniques to make sure you never feel disconnected. Learning strategies like these will empower you, because you know that hearing loss cannot isolate you.
Continue Seeing Your Audiologist
Your hearing loss is not static; it will continue to progress over the course of your life. Therefore, while you may feel empowered and reconnected now, in a few years, after your hearing loss has advanced somewhat, your treatment may not be meeting your needs anymore. Stay proactive with your care and continue having follow-up appointments and routine hearing tests with your audiologist. Knowing that you’re being proactive in this way will make you feel strong and prepared.
If you’re ready to take the first step in your hearing loss treatment, contact North Alabama ENT Associates. We would be happy to schedule an appointment and answer any questions you may have.