This month, the HOPE team and participants talked about self-advocacy in various settings, feeling isolated in groups, adapting to cochlear implants, and more.

For more information on our free, online HOPE program to help people with hearing loss, visit our HOPE page.

Self-Advocacy When You Have a Hearing Loss

One participant shared that even though she’s a “veteran” of dealing with her hearing loss, it’s still sometimes hard for her to ask for help hearing, even from a close friend. During a recent incident, this participant did eventually ask for help hearing her friend–and her friend was happy to solve the problem. One participant mentioned that others may not be motivated by ill intent–they may not want to hurt our feelings, and they may be afraid of saying or doing something wrong.

Other participants agreed that asking for clearer audio, requesting that someone repeat themselves, and so on can take an emotional toll, causing anxiety. Feeling left out and excluded is a very human experience. But participants reminded one another it’s not only OK to advocate for ourselves, it’s necessary. We are worthy of being able to hear!

An A-Z Guide to Hearing Loss

A comprehensive, updated guide to all things hearing loss is now available on our website. If you have suggestions the guide, let us know.

Adjusting to Cochlear Implants

One participant had her cochlear implant a few months ago, and now she’s having some facial twitching. Her audiologist is working to find the right setting–one setting reduced twitching but also reduced hearing.

Participants shared that it sometimes it takes a long time to adjust and adapt to a cochlear implant. At first, speech may sound like claps or robots. Other participants mentioned experiencing physical discomfort and some emotional strain. Sometimes people around us expect us to be able to hear perfectly immediately, but it takes time.

Some ways to help yourself adjust to a cochlear implant: listening to audiobooks, TED talks, or podcasts. Auditory training programs such as Angel Sounds or LACE can be a big help. We can also celebrate our small milestones and victories.

Hearing Loss Discrimination in the Workplace

A participant mentioned that they had been terminated after a supervisor repeatedly spoke softly and indirectly. The participant suspected that this was a hearing “test.” The participant was given unemployment insurance.

Other participants stressed the need to advocate for yourself in the workplace, while acknowledging that some people are just hard to deal with. This process of self-advocacy can take a long time, but it’s worth it.

Note: This is our last HOPE meeting until September 2025. We encourage you to have a wonderful summer and join us at our annual picnic on July 12.