If you have a condition like hearing loss that impacts your daily life, it can be very isolating. Even with the support of friends and family, it may be difficult for them to fully understand what your experience is like. Finding a hearing loss peer group can offer a chance to be fully understood by individuals who can truly empathize due to their similar lived experiences.
Why Should You Find a Hearing Loss Peer Group?
It’s all too common for a hearing loss to result in a person withdrawing socially due to communication worries. Peer support groups contribute to our emotional well-being by restoring your confidence in communicating and socializing. They also provide a sense of community and camaraderie, where you can listen and learn from others or talk openly about the challenges you face, and it’s always mutually respectful.
This kinship provides benefits both from helping others and in getting help. Often it involves a transference of knowledge, such as real life reviews of products and services that someone has found helpful.
Hearing loss peer groups also offer an opportunity to advocate for the wider hearing loss community. For example, as a group you may decide to petition for open caption shows in local theaters, or the installation of hearing loop technology in public spaces.
Some groups regularly have guest speakers or courses that can be of benefit to you.
How To Find A Hearing Loss Peer Group
To find a hearing loss peer group, you should first decide what type of support group you are looking for. These may include:
- In-Person Support Groups or “chats”
- Online Support Groups
- Groups for Children
- Groups for Adults
- Groups for Parents
Here are some links to get you started…
In-person Groups
- The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) runs the largest network of support groups in 32 states of the US. Find your closest chapter here.
- Another large, national network is the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell). Adults and children alike are welcome. Connect with your local group here.
- The Say What Club offers peer to peer support, run by volunteers and is non profit. https://www.saywhatclub.org/
- The Association for Late Deafened Adults (ALDA) has several chapters around the county. To find one close to you, click here.
Online Groups
It can be a powerful experience to spend time with people who haven’t let their hearing loss define them or hinder their desire to succeed. Hearing loss is not something to be ashamed of.
Need Help? Contact Us Today!
We highly recommend using support as groups to help avoid feelings of isolation or depression. Would you like to discuss further? At Anderson Audiology, our hearing specialists are on hand to help. Call us today on 702-997-2964. Alternatively, click here to request an appointment online.