Hearing Loss or Deaf Gain?
When you experience hearing loss, you may need to grieve your hearing just like any loss. You may have times when you feel sadness or anger, and it can take time before you reach a level of acceptance. Though losing your hearing is a significant loss, when we shift our perspective from focusing on the challenges and limitations it presents, and instead consider the unique strengths that can come with hearing loss, perhaps a more positive, even accurate term for “Hearing Loss,” could instead be, “Deaf Gain”.
What exactly is Deaf Gain?
Deaf Gain is a concept that encourages us to reframe our thinking about hearing loss. Rather than focusing on the loss, Deaf Gain emphasises the unique perspectives and strengths that come with having hearing loss. Amongst other things, people with hearing loss may have enhanced visual and spatial awareness, a strong sense of community, and excellent creative problem-solving skills.
My Gains
It was years following my loss before I took a step back to reflect on the positive impact of my hearing loss; the Gains. Once I gave myself permission to think of my hearing loss in a positive light, it was easy to see areas where my loss of hearing had enriched my life.
A better listener
Two women facing each other on swings having a conversation
Though I can't hear as well as I used to, I feel I am now a better listener. Before my hearing loss, my mind would often drift during conversation, and I would frequently miss chunks of what my conversation partners were saying. Now, they have my full attention. Though I am not always successful, I listen to the best of my ability. Words carry more importance now. I have Gained a new appreciation of communication, and value it so much more than I did before my hearing loss. Now I listen not only with my ears, but with my eyes—watching my conversation partner's expressions carefully, their body language and maintaining eye contact with them. I tune in to changes in their tone of voice and focus on the movement of their lips, which helps me to decode their words.
Improved sleep
My hearing loss is in my left ear and is profound. One unique perk of having full hearing loss in one ear is that I can roll over onto my hearing ear, close my eyes, and sleep without the worry of any background noise waking me up. This Gain comes in particularly handy when I want to take an afternoon nap!
Strength in Overcoming Adversity
Losing my hearing was a significant life event. Since my hearing loss was sudden, I didn't have any time to plan for it, and so had to deal with the practical and emotional impact without prior knowledge or experience. With time and perseverance, I managed to successfully move forward
I now possess a strong sense of resilience and determination. I feel that learning to live with hearing loss has instilled empathy in me for others going through similar life experiences. I have Gained more appreciation for the small things in life that I enjoy, such as eating breakfast on the terrace, practising yoga, walking in the countryside, and spending time with loved ones.
Purpose and Advocacy
I have Gained a sense of purpose from my loss of hearing. I had never considered how life was for people without full sound before I lost half my hearing. I have become a passionate advocate for people with hearing loss and I now raise awareness of the hearing loss experience.
Discovering YOUR identity
By embracing the concept of Deaf Gain, we can reshape our perception of hearing loss and build a more inclusive society. Let's recognize the unique strengths and talents that we bring to the table. By celebrating our achievements and strengths, we can create a world where diversity is cherished, and everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
As well as “Deaf Gain”, there are many other words you can choose from to refer to yourself when you have experienced a hearing loss, such as “hard of hearing”, “hearing impaired”, “deaf”, a person with “hearing loss”, and “Deaf” (used to describe people who identify as culturally Deaf and are actively engaged with the Deaf community.) You are free to choose the term you feel best fits your identity and how you want to be perceived.
Share your Gains!
Now I’ve told you about my Deaf Gains, it’s time to tell me yours! It would be great if, in the Comments section below, you share how your hearing loss has enriched your life. Your comments will help to encourage and support others on their hearing loss journeys!
Let’s Connect!
Need some support identifying your Gains or discovering your identity? Contact me to schedule a free 15-minute discovery call. You can tell me more about yourself and the things you would like to explore and together we can figure out a way forward.
