Take care of your mental health and overall well-being with these resources and ideas.
Did you know that hearing loss not only affects our hearing health, but can also impact our mental wellbeing? If you’re struggling to communicate with others, it’s natural to feel anxious or isolated, which can increase the risk of depression and other mental health concerns.
But here’s the good news —there are resources available that help with both hearing loss and mental wellbeing. From support groups organized by hearing loss organizations to counseling services that focus on communication disorders, you’ll find support in various places.
Here are some top hearing loss resources to support your mental health:
- NAD mental health services
- Hearing Loss Association of America
- State resources
- Counseling services
- Independent support groups
Let’s learn about the help that’s available through these hearing loss resources.
NAD mental health resources
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy on behalf of deaf and hard-of-hearing people. They work toward creating change on a governmental and institutional level, e.g., by recommending specific actions the states can take to make mental healthcare accessible for people with hearing loss. You can visit this page to read about your rights, including the right to a qualified mental health professional who’s able to use appropriate accommodations for your care. NAD also provides a guide on how to file a complaint if you feel discriminated against while seeking treatment.
Hearing Loss Association of America
The Hearing Loss Association of America offers several resources on “Living Well with Hearing Loss” that aim to help people overcome feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety that are can sometimes be linked with hearing loss. These include a directory of local HLAA chapters you can join in your area; the annual HLAA convention that features educational workshops and social events; and a variety of webinars covering a variety of topics, including tips for social gatherings and the workplace, technology, and more.
State resources
Many states have resources available for residents experiencing hearing loss. Currently, 38 states have official agencies dedicated to these services — check this list for a link to your state’s agency, if applicable. You can contact these agencies to get referrals to the resources you need, which often include mental health services. The staff should be able to connect you with local support or information on where to turn next.
Counseling services
Finding a therapist who specializes in working with people with hearing loss can be a great way to access emotional support and guidance. A licensed, experienced therapist will be able to provide individualized help and advice that is tailored to your specific needs. If you belong to any local hearing loss organizations or groups, those are great places to ask for recommendations. You can also try researching online with Google, local Facebook groups, or online forums. Telehealth counseling may also be an option if a therapist uses a caption-friendly platform like Zoom.
Independent support groups
If you’re feeling isolated on account of your hearing loss, a support group can help. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can be a great source of comfort and camaraderie. Local hearing loss organizations, HLAA chapters (mentioned above), or online support groups give you the opportunity to make new friends, share tips and tricks, and communicate in a way that works for you with people who truly understand. Here are five places to find hearing loss support groups both in person and online.
Your mental health matters. Take the time to explore all the hearing loss resources available to you and find the right source of help and support. Surrounding yourself with the right tools can also make a difference.
Browse our captioned phones to help you stay connected with friends and family over the phone, a positive step in fighting off feelings of isolation.
