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One out of ten people has a hearing loss. Nevertheless, there is a tendency for people with hearing impairment to try to hide their hearing difficulties. This can be referred to as a stigma, which means that there is a feeling of shame and low self-worth associated with hearing impairment.
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Stigma has to do with prejudices | The stigma referred to above has a great deal to do with the prejudices associated with hearing loss. Being less gifted, old or slow-witted are some of the prejudices attached to hearing impairment. As no one wishes to be associated with any of these prejudices or to feel different, it is understandable that most people with hearing loss do not wish to acknowledge it. The majority of those who have a hearing loss may have had the same prejudices. So, besides the hearing loss there is also the thought of having become ‘one of them‘, that is, not being like the rest. This can be perceived to be embarrassing and socially unacceptable and produce a feeling of shame. One is ashamed of being different and therefore tries to hide the hearing impairment.
It is important to remember that hearing impairment is a very common problem and that life can be a lot easier if something is done about it. With the help of hearing aids, which amplify sound, many hearing impaired people can live almost the same life as before. At the same time they can help eliminate the stigma of hearing loss by breaking down prejudices themselves. With increased hearing aid usage it becomes more evident that hearing aid users are ordinary people of different age groups, sexes and social classes.
Some people can handle this acknowledgement process themselves, while others need professional assistance. It is quite common to seek the help of psychologists, where one can discuss feelings and problems on a strictly professional basis. Most important is, however, having a network of people to talk with and get sup-port from. It takes time getting used to wearing hearing aids, and it is important to give this process the time and attention it deserves.  ShameMyths about hearing loss
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