Your COVID-19 Hearing Loss Guide

Hearing loss can be socially isolating in normal times, but the newly announced social distancing rules compound the situation. How can people with hearing loss stay as active, engaged and productive as possible during this time of forced isolation?

Here are my suggestions. Stay safe!

Source: Image by Ahmad Ardity from Pixabay

1. Set up a routine. It may not be the one you are used to, but having a set time to wake, exercise, eat meals and do productive work can help you avoid slipping into lethargy. Schedule time for self-care and relaxation so you keep your body and mind healthy and alert. Try meditating to relieve stress and promote a feeling of well-being.

2. Reach out to loved ones and friends. While meeting in person is not an option, commit to speaking to at least one person each day. Contact that long lost friend you are always meaning to see but never have time. You are more likely to catch them at home in the next few weeks. Talking on the phone can be difficult when you have a hearing loss, but using FaceTime or Skype can help with lipreading. Captioned phones can also make conversations easier.

3. Learn something new. Use your extra time to take an online course. Several Ivy League colleges offer free online classes, many of which seem to include captioning and/or written transcripts. Take a virtual museum tour or view an online collection. Or simply read that book you’ve had on the shelf for years.

4. Keep moving. Maintain your exercise routine through online classes or YouTube videos. Many are free. Or fashion your own exercise plan. I have have been leading daily yoga classes for my family to keep us active.

5. Review your emergency plans. Make sure you have plenty of batteries for your hearing devices on hand and that your chargers are easy to locate. If you need food, medicine or other necessities, try to have them delivered instead of heading to the store. Many grocery stores and pharmacies offer delivery on a regular basis.

6. Prepare a medical communication kit. Should you need to seek medical attention, call first. When told to head to the doctor, bring your hearing aids, batteries, chargers and any additional communication devices that you find helpful such as speech-to-text apps, paper and pencil, or Roger pens. Print out a sign that explains your hearing loss and the types of hearing devices you use. Hang it in your room to keep your hearing issues top of mind for medical staff.

COVID-19 is making life more challenging for everyone. Prioritize your physical and mental health by maintaining a routine, staying in touch with friends and loved ones, and continuing to find purposeful and meaningful ways to spend your time. Stay hopeful by reminding yourself that this too shall pass.

Copyright Shari Eberts/LivingWithHearingLoss.com. Reprinted with permission.