Will hearing aids lower self esteem?

CinCin12

CinCin12

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Hello, I am in a horrible situation right now. I just realized that my ears could be totally damaged as in not functioning. I can barely hear what my co-workers are saying and I keep asking them to repeat themselves. I am actually a senior person at my office, so I guess my juniors probably didn't want to upset me, so they kept repeating what they just said over and over again. I always thought they were shy to speak up. How I wish I were right. Sadly, it's my fault. I only realized this after a board meeting where I got really embarrassed and hence realized that something is wrong with my hearing. There were several other signs too. I just got it all wrong I guess. This hearing problem is hereditary I suppose because my dad has it. My grandpa had it. I should have realized this a long time ago. My boss asked me to see a hearing aid specialist and so I have an appointment with a hearing aid specialist in Toronto next week. I hope everything turns out well. Has anybody had similar experiences? Please do share your knowledge and tips.
 
We need more Canadian ladies here.
I dunno what kind of boss you got, but I instinctively stomp him, stomp him, stomp him.
 
I have had no self-esteem issues with wearing hearing aids. I think being able to hear is more important. You already know what it’s like to not be able to hear after having had hearing so long.
BTW, most people don’t even notice our hearing aids. I now have a cochlear implant and hope to get one for the other ear later this year. I don’t think people even notice it.

Your self-esteem should actually improve with hearing aids because you will not to have to ask your coworkers to repeat as often. HAs do not return your hearing to perfect but it’s so much better.
 
Don't try to hide it.
I have always been hoh. I think my septigenarian co-worker used to try to hide his hoh, or felt self-concious. Now we both joke about having 'bionic ears', ... 'these ears are are just for looks' ... 'did you leave your ears on your dresser this morning?'...
Make light of it.
Your co-workers probably don't know how to approach it, especially if you're their superior. Even if you're a serious boss otherwise, once you make jokes about it yourself, they get used to it, and then forget about it.

And I agree w/ previous msg, if you get a good device, you will be relieved.

P.S. We have all been there, saying the completely wrong thing in a meeting. lol. hearing peeps also say the wrong things in meetings.
:redface:
 
on a good note, when I am in my car I can listen to music :) on the negative side, I really hate wearing my HAs for several reasons. I was born deaf forced to wear HAs , everyone has there own personal experience with HAs... for those who are HOh later in life, yes it's hard, I can't imagine being able to hear and then all of the sudden lose it and not know how to react or what to do. You will need to tell them up front that you are having some hearing loss, be upfront about it, the more they are aware of your hearing loss, the more they will understand your problem. Never be sorry for them to repeat, its not your fault. It is never our fault for not hearing everything.
 
You are lucky to be working in a tolerant work environment. But now it is time to make a change. You also need to realize that the percentage of people who wear HA's has risen phenomenally in the past twenty years, because the technology now available helps many more people than in the past. You have no reason to be self-conscious, and BTE HA's are common, less expensive, and more technologically reliable. Once you get your HA's do not slack off in exercising your lipreading skills. Watching CC while watching lips on TV will help immensely, if you turn the sound down.
 
Your hearing loss is way more obvious than any HA will be. Also you fellow worker will be happy that you finally addressed your hearing issues and got help. Good luck!
 
Self esteem is only what you make it. I was born deaf and got hearing aids at 2 (yay?) so my experience will and is different than yours. HAs has always been a part of my life. My self esteem is not just tied to my deafness but tied to many things as to why it has fluctuated over the years from crappy as..<ahem> to so-so to good/better.
Like Peekaboo said, I can't imagine how it is or what it's like for someone to have 'normal' (whatever normal is) hearing then to lose it either suddenly or gradually- that's a huge blow I suspect. Me- I can't miss something I never had :).

Best of luck to you, and no people won't notice.. or they won't say anything. My earmolds are LIME green (they were supposed to be a dark green...??? Hmm) but in my recent adventure in Utah, no one ever commented- though to be fair- they were more interested in my interpreters! You can really notice the molds in a few pictures they took during my cohort lol (of course.. my hair is MIA and super short).
 
I thought I would get very self-conscious when it came to people been able to see my hearing aids. but I was wrong. I now have more confidence. I got my ear moulds in February this year. I think they are amazing. I feel lost without them if I am outside. I can walk better, I have much better balance. I can speak better, I can hear better. I still have difficulties though. I find I have to have my hair up otherwise the rustling annoys me. I also don't like the wind. but my overall confidence has improved.
 
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