Dealing with a diagnosis

Grieving or feeling a sense of bereavement is a common reaction after losing your hearing or accepting a diagnosis of hearing loss.

Planning your next steps

Before embarking on the next stage of your hearing loss journey, it is important to reflect on what has happened.

Take time to consider what was discussed at your appointment. Refer to any notes you may have taken or were provided by the audiologist.

If you attended your appointment with a family member or friend, discuss the outcome with them. This will help you to plan how you want to begin the next part of the journey positively.

Prepare for your next appointment

Before you attend your next, or follow-up appointment, it is important to make a list of any additional questions you may have about your diagnosis. severity or type of hearing loss.

For example, did you understand everything that was explained to you during your appointment? Do you have a copy of your audiogram? If your answer is "no" to these points, be sure to write down a list of questions to ask and request a copy of your audiogram. 

Additionally, be ready to ask what types of hearing aid or assistive listening technology that could help you to live well with your hearing loss and how you can access them.

Explore your options

Carrying out your own research may also help you to achieve your goals for living better with your hearing loss.

Investigate lipreading classes or support groups in your local area so you can meet up with people living with the same challenges as you.

Begin to understand what apps or assistive technologies might help you to achieve the goals you have set yourself. Contact your local sensory support team to find out what type of equipment they may be able to provide. If you are of working age, speak to your employer about support in the workplace.

It is also important to learn about communication strategies and explore lifestyle changes to support your hearing health.