You’ve probably heard of the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. These five stages, also called the Kübler-Ross model, represent the emotions you go through when processing a loss or tragedy. While the five stages of grief are most often discussed in response to the loss of a loved one, they are also a helpful way to talk about dealing with a health condition like hearing loss.
Let’s examine how these five stages apply to processing hearing loss.
1. Denial
The first stage of processing hearing loss is often denial. Many people feel that they either don’t have hearing loss or feel it’s so mild as not to require treatment. One 2018 study found that patients live with their hearing loss symptoms for an average of 10 years before seeking treatment. Communication can suffer with even mild hearing loss. Don’t wait ten years before starting hearing loss treatment.
2. Anger
The anger stage of hearing loss can start to pop up with or just after the denial stage. For example, you may feel annoyed with family members or employees at Santa Fe restaurants because you feel they’re mumbling.
Anger can also arise following a hearing loss diagnosis. You may feel that it’s unfair you have hearing loss. During the anger stage, try to remember that hearing loss is extremely common, with nearly 20% of the global population affected, and you have a team of people at Southwestern Hearing & Balance ready to help you through the process.
3. Bargaining
Some people may acknowledge that they have hearing loss but struggle to believe it’s permanent. In the bargaining stage, you may feel inclined to ask your hearing specialist what you can do to “fix” your hearing. While some cases of middle ear hearing loss (conductive) are temporary, inner ear hearing loss (sensorineural) is permanent. The good news is that hearing aids are an effective treatment option to help manage your hearing loss!
4. Depression
Losing something is never easy, especially when you’ve relied on it your whole life. Struggling to hear music or loved ones clearly can lead to depression and loneliness. When these feelings arise, don’t push them away. Instead, lean on your loved ones for support. Talk to friends and family. Sharing frustrations and fears openly makes them more manageable. If needed, consider seeing a mental health professional.
5. Acceptance
Acceptance means different things for different people. Your acceptance might look like getting your first pair of hearing aids and wearing them proudly. For others, acceptance could be making an appointment for a professional hearing test after years of denying hearing loss.
The five stages of grief don’t look the same in every person, and they may not happen in order. Whatever the grieving process looks like for you, we’re here to help on your journey. Contact Southwestern Hearing & Balance today to schedule an appointment with one of our hearing specialists.