Isolation People react in different ways to losing their hearing ability. Some people will – consciously or subconsciously – withdraw from social activities. If this happens, isolation can easily result, making it even more difficult to deal with one’s hearing problem.

Our ability to communicate successfully with other people is often considerably reduced when we cannot hear everything that is being said. One may lose the thread of the conversation, which makes it difficult to answer questions appropriately or to contribute to the conversation. Not being able to communicate can easily give one a feeling of no longer being part of the group.

Many try to avoid situations that can lead to frustration and embarrassment and where they would be confronted with their problem. It is an emotional and physical strain having to concentrate on listening to every word that is being said.

Initially, it can be a relief to withdraw from social life to avoid the feeling of shame and inadequacy. In the long run, however, this withdrawal will prevent one from developing in one’s social environment. It is a shame to miss out on good experiences, and there is also a risk that one’s loneliness may lead to depression.

SEE ALSO:

Stigma

Shame

Guilt

Depression