Denial Can Prolong The Suffering Of Hearing Loss

There are many events in life that can cause grief. Personal loss, terminal diagnosis of a medical problem, even substance abuse can cause grief and its many stages, including denial. Hearing loss can be viewed as equivalent to a terminal diagnosis of serious illness. Especially felt in young to middle aged adults, a large number of people who experience hearing loss feel a sense of grief equivalent to a death in the family.

Usually, throughout our lives, we take our ability to hear for granted. People not wanting to admit to hearing loss will often cover the condition with excuses such as fatigue, being distracted or simply not paying attention. Hearing loss is usually a degenerative condition, sometimes getting worse very gradually. This gradual decrease in hearing ability can make it easier for someone to deny they have a problem; continually excusing their problem until they are forced to confront the condition.

The unfortunate side effect of denial is it often allows a situation to progress to very severe state prior to action. The continued denial of hearing loss may allow the loss to progress to such a point that more expensive hearing aids, and even drastic medical procedures, can be required to alleviate symptoms. Some individuals in denial of their hearing loss can remain at the same level of loss for months, even years, prior to admitting there may be a problem. As with other losses that produce denial, the person may begin to feel persecuted by family and friends who continually point out the problem.

Denial of any medical problem, including hearing loss, can lead to severe consequences and should not be taken lightly. Although facing hearing loss can certainly cause grief, it should be recognized and treated as early as possible. Mild to moderate hearing loss can be easily remedied with the proper use of hearing aids and only proper testing and diagnosis by a hearing professional can alleviate the loss. The selection of an appropriate hearing aid can lead the way to one of the final stages of grief, acceptance and hope.

Share and Enjoy: