{"id":3054,"date":"2022-03-03T21:15:53","date_gmt":"2022-03-04T02:15:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamptonroadsent.com\/?p=3054"},"modified":"2022-03-03T21:16:35","modified_gmt":"2022-03-04T02:16:35","slug":"hearing-loss-isnt-an-all-or-nothing-condition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamptonroadsent.com\/hearing-loss-isnt-an-all-or-nothing-condition\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing Loss Isn’t an All or Nothing Condition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When discussing hearing loss<\/a>, it\u2019s important to remember the complexity of each individual\u2019s experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limits of Classification <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Woman<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hearing loss can be classified as mild, moderate, severe or profound. These distinctions can be helpful from a medical standpoint. However, they don\u2019t fully encapsulate a person\u2019s experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with mild to moderate hearing loss may view themselves as less in need of treatment or support. Or they may want support but are afraid to ask because others might not take their condition seriously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not getting the help they need could lead to worsening hearing loss and have a negative effect on their overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labels Can Stigmatize <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People with hearing loss can be perceived as less able, even though they are not. They may face discrimination at work or live in communities that don\u2019t offer proper accommodations. Those with milder cases may fear they will face the same stigma if they are open about their condition.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minimizing Milder Cases of Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If someone confides in you that they have hearing loss, your first response might be something like \u201cI had no idea,\u201d or \u201cYou seem to hear just fine.\u201d While said with good intentions, these kinds of responses can minimize their condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people, including those with hearing loss, have invisible disabilities. This means their condition is not always obvious to other people. They may use hearing aids<\/a>, rely on lip-reading, and use other subtle communication strategies to successfully interact with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, just because they are able to carry on conversations with you at Sweet Tooth Cafe<\/a> doesn\u2019t mean that they don\u2019t struggle with hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fear of Not Being Believed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people with invisible disabilities worry that others won\u2019t believe them when they disclose their condition. Nearly 60% of Americans with disabilities<\/a> feel that others question their disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When someone expresses doubt, people with hearing loss are put in an unfair position. Be open about their condition and face scrutiny or keep quiet and not receive needed accommodations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, many people choose the latter. According to one study, only 39% of employees with disabilities have disclosed them to their manager<\/a>. Less tell their coworkers or human resources.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Be Afraid to Get Help for Your Hearing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you find yourself concerned about your hearing, no matter the severity, it\u2019s important to get checked out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To schedule an appointment or to speak with a hearing expert call Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy<\/span> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n