"I am 60 years old and have had hearing loss since grade school. I'd flunk all those screening tests. My two younger siblings have my same type of hearing loss and have worn hearing aids since their 40s, if not earlier. My siblings are persistent in trying to get me to buy hearing aids which they feel I need. Yes, I probably need them according to medical tests, but I have resisted due to vanity and, more practically, cost."
"I am tired of being judged for my loss of hearing. My siblings came at me today, together, and approached me intervention-style to tell me when and where to buy hearing aids. People at work have made rude comments pertaining to my hearing. Oh, you're so deaf, We know you can't hear us anyway, et cetera. Please tell me what to say to people who think my hearing is their business and how to address comments that are so rude."
A 60-year-old reports lifelong hearing loss, failing screening tests since grade school, with two younger siblings who use hearing aids. Siblings strongly encourage and at times pressure the person to buy hearing aids, staging an intervention-style approach about when and where to purchase them. The person recognizes probable medical need but resists because of vanity and expense. Coworkers make mocking remarks and jokes about deafness, creating discomfort and judgment. Options include addressing workplace behavior through HR or direct professional boundaries, exploring insurance coverage for hearing assistance, and setting personal terms for pursuing hearing aids.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]