| By :
Jamie Simpson
It is estimated that at least one out of every seven adults in the UK must cope with some degree of deafness or severe hearing loss. Deafness that occurs in adult life often emotionally cripples an individual who then tends to withdraw from business and social contacts. Any degree of deafness does not have to limit an individual's activities if he or she follows certain strategies that have proven effective for coping with deafness. Schedule an appointment with an audiologist or other hearing specialist to see if wearing a hearing aid might restore even some percentage of hearing. Many technological advances have been made in hearing aids in the last 20 years and many newer models can help to amplify even very slight hearing capabilities. Resist the urge to withdraw from social activities, which may be a natural inclination when deafness precludes participating in conversation or the ability to hear music and conversation. Deafness is certainly a challenge which can be made to feel worse in self-imposed isolation. Social confidence can only be maintained when social connections are regularly established and renewed, and it is worth making the effort even when at a hearing disadvantage. Deaf adults can cope better by investigating getting a hearing dog, shelter-rescued animals specially trained to assist the deaf not only to alert them to visitors, phone calls and possible emergencies but also to relieve their sense of isolation with some welcome companionship. Deaf adults can better cope by learning new ways to communicate. Find out if local schools offer courses in sign language or lip reading and invite a friend or family member to join you so you will automatically have someone to practice with. Invest in a TTY or typing telephone which types out written rather than verbal messages. Learn how to operate a computer so that communication is possible with family and friends worldwide by using e-mail, another form of written rather than verbal communication. Investigate the wide range of products available in the marketplace that can help make your life easier even without the sense of hearing, such as alarm clocks that vibrate rather than ring so you know when it's time to wake up. Ask your television cable provider if you can get subtitles on newscasts or television shows so you can read what is being said and have a description of the action since you cannot hear dialogue. If a loss of hearing is making you depressed and discouraged, talk with your doctor about any medication or dietary choices that might improve your mood or consider short term counseling to come to terms with your deafness. By realizing that deaf individuals can still lead full lives and by implementing the above strategies, deafness will prove much easier to cope with on a day to day basis.
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