Is sudden hearing loss equivalent to an amputation of a limb? Does that loss manifest itself in anger or apathy or something else? Is it different for those who experience a progressive hearing loss versus a collapse of all their hearing? Recently I posted a question on social media: “Has anyone utilized a grief counselor after experiencing a sudden hearing loss?”
The post resulted in a spate of responses. Some wished they had a resource when it happened to them. Others who found support through family and friends. There were those who “toughed it out” and others who found comfort through the power of prayer.
Robin Chisholm-Seymour, a bilateral cochlear implant recipient, and a fellow member of the Facebook group, Bilateral CI Warrior, has extensive experience in grief counseling for both hearing loss as well as those who have lost their animal companions was gracious enough to sit down with me for an interview to explore this subject.
We discussed grieving in broad and specific terms, common behaviors and coping techniques and commonalities as well as the differences in the way people handle hearing loss.
If you or a loved one has experience hearing loss, Robin’s insights will help you find the answers to cope with the loss and find a way forward. TRANSCRIPT IS AVAILABLE AT COCHLEARIMPLANTBASICS.COM
