In India, hearing loss is generally associated with the elderly. However, the 2011 census revealed that the age group of 20 – 59 constitutes a little under half of all Indian citizens with some level of hearing disability. There are multiple causes of hearing loss such as infections, trauma and long exposure to loud noise.
However, these statistics don’t give an accurate picture of the day-to-day difficulties faced by such individuals. We need to put ourselves in the shoes of a hearing impaired person to understand the detrimental effects of hearing loss fully.
An adult with hearing loss cuts herself off from social interactions as she cannot follow the conversations. If she is a working professional, she falls behind at work and may have to stay at home. Young students show relatively poor scholastic performance. She starts becoming dependent on her family and loses her confidence. She grows distant from her family, especially her beloved children. Ultimately, the hearing loss takes a heavy toll on the individual’s personal and professional life.
Cochlear implants are now commonly implanted in working adults in India. These cochlear implant recipients are climbing the ladders of academic and professional success.
However, there still are a few misconceptions about hearing loss and cochlear implantation in adults:
- I will become an object of ridicule if people see my cochlear implant. There is nothing to be ashamed of in a cochlear implant. Instead, dazzle them with your academic and professional achievements!
- I am a homemaker and so can “manage” without hearing a lot. Even if you stay at home, hearing loss cuts you off from your family. You may feel isolated and depressed. Also, as a homemaker, you do need to interact with multiple vendors. So, hearing is extremely important even for a homemaker.
- I have so many loans to pay off. I can’t afford to spend on a cochlear implant. Think of a cochlear implant as an investment in your earning potential. It can open up the more professional opportunities that your hearing loss has closed.
