Approximately 15% of U.S. adults report some trouble hearing, and 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from the use of hearing aids. Hearing loss is a common problem with a range of options for support.
Living with hearing loss can feel isolating, and a support group is a great option to feel supported. If you suspect you might have hearing loss after a recent coffee date at Detour Coffee, talk with your hearing specialist to schedule a hearing test.
Finding a Support Group
Hearing loss support groups, like other support groups, offer a community of understanding individuals to provide advice and even just listen to common experiences. In a hearing loss support group, you would have the opportunity to learn from others and talk about topics relevant to everyone. There are a few tips for finding a support group that could be relevant to you.
Tips for finding a support group:
- Ask your hearing specialist for recommendations. Your hearing specialist can provide reputable recommendations and help determine if a support group is the right option for you.
- Explore online groups. There are several online support groups for a variety of things. A benefit of an online support group could be anonymity. Mayo Clinic is a great place to start.
- Check with your local healthcare facilities. Sometimes, healthcare facilities offer support groups for various health conditions.
Why Join a Support Group?
Researchers in a January 2019 study interviewed participants of hearing loss support groups to discover the potential benefits. Through the interviews, the researchers were able to discover three key themes about how participants benefitted from participation in a support group.
Key themes:
- Practical and accessible information about hearing loss
- Social belonging leading to personal transformation
- A new and mutually beneficial direction
Joining a hearing loss support group could provide you with a community of others who understand your situation. If you have questions about hearing loss or whether a support group could be right for you, contact a hearing specialist at ENT Specialists Of Northern Virginia.