May is Better Speech and Hearing Month and it dovetails nicely with its coincidence with Mental Health Month. Attention to hearing health and communication strategies can bring emotional and mental health benefits to those with hearing loss and their loved ones. When hearing loss is something we struggle with, it can seem as though it is only our problem. In fact, hearing loss can negatively impact our relationships with our loved ones, which is often the result of isolating behaviors and depression that can coincide with the condition.
This month is an ideal time to look at the ways we communicate in the world and adopt better strategies when interacting with friends and family. Instead of trying to shoulder the burden alone, we can relay our experiences of hearing loss and suggest the ways that our loved ones can ease our listening experiences.
Better Communication for All
It’s a campaign championed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association who have designated May as Better Speech and Hearing Month for years. This year’s theme is “Better Communication for All,” which highlights the reality that educating our society about communication disorders really does result in better communication for our society as a whole. It’s not the job of those with hearing loss alone to make connection and communication more accessible, it’s up to all of us working together that can create the biggest impact. Openly discussing communication disorders helps to normalize the issues and create a dialogue around ways to enhance our communication overall.
The dark side of untreated hearing loss
Untreated hearing loss is almost an epidemic. It can often take up to a decade for someone to get an official hearing evaluation and seek treatment. Unfortunately, this span of time is also when unhealthy behaviors are created to protect someone with hearing loss from having challenging communication issues. Instead of treating hearing loss, people begin to shy away from encounters that expose their communication issues. This can lead quickly to isolation and depression. Human connection is an essential need and when this need isn’t met, our mental health is what suffers.
The stigma of hearing loss
Despite the fact that hearing loss effects more than 48 million Americans, there remains some stigma around hearing loss. People avoid diagnosis and treatment for many reasons, but they are come back to the fact that they don’t want to admit that there is a problem. It might be because they associate hearing loss with aging and don’t want to feel “old.” Or, it may simply be that they don’t want to introduce change into their life. While all of these reasons are perfectly normal, they can have adverse effects.
Normalizing communication disorders and particularly hearing loss is important for this reason. When we stop considering these conditions as “problems” we are more likely to confront them head on and begin advocating for ourselves in a myriad of situations.
Avoiding avoidant behaviors
Instead of turning down social invitations or remaining silent in moments where connection is possible, it behooves us mentally and emotionally to continue to engage. Our communication strategies not only affect us, but those we love as well. Instead of withdrawing from friends and family, you might consider sharing your experience of hearing loss with them. Giving them insight into your perspective helps encourage empathy and lessens feelings of confusion or hurt feelings in general.
Vulnerability enhances relationships
Being vulnerable in this way not only saves us from negative damage to our relationships, but it can actually enhance our existing relationships. Some of the most powerful moments of our lives come about when vulnerability is shared. Brene Brown, an acclaimed researcher specializing in vulnerability, says that “Vulnerability is the birthplace of connection and the path to the feeling of worthiness.” Perhaps your friend or loved one will be moved to share their own vulnerabilities with you. It’s important to remember that though our own vulnerabilities feel very tender, everyone carries their own version with them.
Get your hearing tested
Really, what better way to celebrate Better Speech and Hearing Month than by getting your hearing tested? If you feel as though hearing loss might be impacting your life, schedule some time with the healthy hearing professionals at Desert Valley Audiology. Once you’ve got a firm diagnosis, we can begin investigating which treatment and intervention options will best fit your life.