February 23, 2010
question about depression and hearing loss in a young adult?
Vixen S asked:
I am a 26 year old female and mother of 2. I have had poor hearing since childhood but due to my families income was never checked or treated for it. I managed for the most part by lip reading and saying “what” a lot. Now a few weeks ago I got my hearing tested for the first time and I came up with a moderately severe (56-70 dB) loss. I was fitted and just received my new hearing aids. Now I should be happy about this right? But I’m finding myself depressed. I had no idea how much I had been missing out on. I am hearing all these little sounds I never new I was missing all this time. I have missed out on so much for so long. I just want to cry.
I am a 26 year old female and mother of 2. I have had poor hearing since childhood but due to my families income was never checked or treated for it. I managed for the most part by lip reading and saying “what” a lot. Now a few weeks ago I got my hearing tested for the first time and I came up with a moderately severe (56-70 dB) loss. I was fitted and just received my new hearing aids. Now I should be happy about this right? But I’m finding myself depressed. I had no idea how much I had been missing out on. I am hearing all these little sounds I never new I was missing all this time. I have missed out on so much for so long. I just want to cry.
Is that crazy? Why can’t I just be happy? How do I deal with this feeling?
Camila
Comments on question about depression and hearing loss in a young adult?
Rex
Time and experience getting used to this new, exciting element in your life is your answer.
It is a blessing, one that many deaf individuals will never experience.
You will adapt. Your depression is temporary. Just try to enjoy, instead of lament, your new found ability. Give yourself time to adapt.
Rishi
No it is not crazy, I suspect that being swamped with unknown sounds is also disorientating. You will adjust and cope, but it takes a little time. Be patient, I know that you can’t help it at the moment, but thinking about what you have missed is time you cannot retrieve, learning about your loss and coping with better hearing requires quite an adjustment. check out
Best wishes
Maureen