How to accept that I am deaf/ have a hearing loss?

Having a hearing loss can be hard. Much like other aspects of life, you can consider it as a problem to be solved. You have a hearing loss. Think about the things you cannot do or want to do better because of it. For example, you may not be able to communicate as well with a hearing loss. Now a part of the problem is identified. Try not to look at the big picture in this situation, because it can become very overwhelming to do so. You have trouble communicating, in this example. Next, try to think of ways you can do whatever it is you want to do, in other words, solutions to the problem. In the communication example, there are several, including text messaging and sign language. Go through all the reasons you can't accept that you have a hearing loss, and try to identify ways you could accept it.

It is part of who you are as a person and there's nothing we can do to change the person we are. We are all special and unique in our own way, and even though we feel different at times, everyone has their flaws and their strengths. Even if you are deaf, it doesn't mean that your whole world and life stops. There are still so many opportunities to take, new doors to open, and new ways to make the most in life. You could still strive for your goals, work for your dreams, and be the person you are. You are amazing just the way you are and people will appreciate and love you for who you are truthfully.

I would first, take a deep breath. News like this is always difficult to receive, especially because it affects your day to day life significantly. I would remind myself that you're still worthy to be loved and this doesn't change a thing about you. Yes it will be difficult adjusting at first, let alone accepting the fact. But try to keep an open mind. As devastating as this can be, there's a whole community and language willing to welcome you with open arms. Being hard of hearing or deaf doesn't make you any less human, or any less worthy. Is it going to difficult? Yes. But that doesn't mean you can't do it, that doesn't mean you're going through this alone, that especially doesn't mean you're less valid or worthy as being seen as equal.

Any change mentally or physically can be difficult to accept. Maybe try embracing the idea of this heightening your other senses to compensate the loss. It's also a chance to learn a new language, by learning to sign. I am sure it is scary and feels a little like you might be starting over, but it can also open the door for new possibilities. You also might look into support groups for people having similar feelings on their own recent hearing loss. I find the bigger my support system is, the easier big changes are for me. You are strong and you've got this. Just another hurdle on the track we call life that I know you can clear.

It can be difficult to come to terms with changes in our lives that impact us in ways we were not expecting. People tend to deal with changes like that in different ways. Some people find acceptance through educating themselves on the nature of their new condition and by arming themselves with tools or medical devices they can utilize to improve their quality of life to once more find balance and normalcy akin to what they had before. Some people find it is easier to gain acceptance through letting go of the life they had before and fully committing to the new way of life, experiencing it as it is, without trying to resist the changes or hardships that come with it (and in some cases, even embracing those changes by embracing a new identity or new community of people). Still others find that they can come to acceptance through self reflection and thorough assessment of their feelings, such as through counseling or journaling. Others come to acceptance through meditation or prayer or reaching out to their Higher Power. Ultimately, only you can decide which route is best for you based on where you are at in your journey, because only you know the type of acceptance that you are looking for. What you are going through is an experience. What you do with that experience is up to you. If you are looking for the kind of acceptance that transforms your life and puts you in contact with new experiences and new kinds of people, then seeking out those experiences and fellowship of those people might help you come to that acceptance. If you feel like you want faith-inspired acceptance, than invoking your faith through prayer or meditation might help you reach your acceptance. Perhaps thinking of how you want to feel when you have reached acceptance will give you ideas and support in how to find that acceptance.

Try not to feel sorry for your self. Please remember you're not alone. More then half the world's population, has some form of disability or health related condition. Try to find others, like you, or have some of the same issues as you. It might help you to feel less a lone. Plus what a great support network, you will have. I hope this helps you. Best of luck to you.

Acceptance of hearing loss can be hard for those who were born with "normal" hearing but lost it over time, either gradually or quickly. Hearing loss cuts us off from other people in a number of ways, especially in terms of social connections. It affects our ability to form connections, maintain relationships, find and keep a job, be successful in school, or enjoy daily life. Acceptance, in and of itself, it a process. You don't instantly accept your hearing loss, but gradually adapt, adjust, and accommodate to a new normal that is normal for you. And what's challenging is, the new normal can change later, just when we think we adjusted to it! That can set off a cascade of anxiety, self-blame, worry, and even depression. It's important to let others know what you need so they can help you. Examples might be reducing background noise so you can hear others; sitting where the sunlight isn't shining in your face so you can read lips easily; and using technology to compensate for your hearing loss. Luckily there are many, many apps, devices and tech that can assist people who are Deaf, late-deafened, or with minor hearing loss, handle the day-to-day challenges. A great example of adaptive technology would be speech-to-text apps that can transcribe speech into text so you can communicate with hearing people who mumble or who are wearing face masks.

Tough news life that can be difficult to face. It takes different amounts of time to be comfortable with it for each person. Face each day with a positive attitude, and slowly you may start to accept having hearing loss. I know it will be tough, but you can do it. Have someone to talk to, even if it is on 7 cups. Our listeners are more than happy to help you. Although it maybe different speakers, there is someone here for you each day. Take some time for yourself, and adapt to this lifestyle. Find positives and move forward. There isn't much we can do, other than accept it. Living in sadness won't be the answer though. You got this!