How Hearing Loss Affects Relationships and Tips for Staying Connected
When you’re used to relying on your hearing to communicate, any change, whether gradual or sudden, can naturally shift how you connect with others. This can shake the foundations of even the strongest relationships. That does not mean hearing loss has to be a negative disruption, but it does bring new challenges for communication and relationships as you learn to adapt.
What I Wish I Knew About Living with Hearing Loss
Losing part of your hearing can feel like losing a part of you. It’s not just sound. It’s connection, ease of conversation, confidence, and your sense of place in the world. Looking back, I realise how important it was for me to accept the reality of my hearing loss. I gave myself time and space to process it all. I allowed myself to be in shock, angry, frustrated, and sad. I took time to reminisce about times when my hearing played an integral part in my enjoyment of life, such as summer music festivals, honouring the hearing I had lost.
What We Wish Our Loved Ones Knew About Living with Hearing Loss
This article was inspired by a touching conversation with a client during a coaching session. They had recently been diagnosed with hearing loss and were beginning to navigate their new reality—figuring out where to sit in restaurants, how to advocate for themselves in public spaces, and how to adapt. While they were proud of their progress, one thing remained hard: helping their loved ones truly understand what living with hearing loss feels like.