Hearing Loss Diagnosis-Coping and Questions?

I'm 19 years old and have now been professionally diagnosed with a hearing loss (20% left, 15% right), I found out at first when I was 15 through a hearing test at school.

I'm supposed to be getting hearing aids by the end of the summer, and I was curious how any one else had coped with something like this. My parents and friends are trying to be really understanding about this, but they can't be because they never went through it and I'm scared and nervous and a little lost by all this--- I just want to know how other people dealt with news like this and what using hearing aids was like and any other information you wish to share.

---and before anyone makes any cracks about me listening to music too loud or some other comment on how this is my fault, I lost my hearing due to cranial nerve damage at birth due to a 2 month prematurity--- I'm tired of being blamed for something I couldn't control.

Thanks to any and all who can help, it means a lot.

-EJ

Im 14 and my parents found out that i was deaf when i was 2. I dont think it would be a big impact on your life because you still have got family and friends there for you. Do not be offended if your friends ask you about hearing aids, it's just they don't know a lot about these things. Don't be scared or nervous, as theres no need to be. Hearing aids will help you to hear more, you can talk to people who went through this because it is actually the experience. It doesn't matter if they don't have exact same experience as you. Your friends or family may not understand how you exactly feel, yes you are right they never been through this before. YOU have to tell people that you HAVE hearing problems because you may not hear them calling you etc. It is very important to do that if you go somewhere like workplace, doctors etc. Im going to my work experience in two weeks time, my headteacher of deaf children had a talk with us people who is going to on work experience, always let people know that you may not hear them but tap on your shoulder if you did not respond. You will be fine, because you will get used to it. It takes time, not in a day. I don't wear hearing aids anymore as i wear a cochlear implant now. I hear like people who have normal hearing. It's not our fault that we became deaf/ hearing loss etc because it's not! You shouldn't be feeling like this, ever.
You will find the way WITH help. At first you may feel uncomforable, but it generally gets better. (if u get me)

u can email me if you want to have a talk about this.

I have hearing loss in realation to military service. I do have hearing aids, though I rarely use them.
As I've lived like this for over thirty years, I rarely think about it anymore. I can tell you that I have learned to read lips, and am attentive to making sure I look people in the face.
There are support groups out there for people with hearing loss, and hearing aids are better than they were even five years ago. I am sorry to hear (no pun intended) about your problem, but I wish to reassure you that you can, nonetheless, live a fulfilling life.
Good luck to you.

I don't know how much I lost but.... it part of my other several disabilities.

It was pre-severe hearing loss, I don't know but I know I enjoy watching closed caption with audio sound.

Now let go listen some music!

oh wow, I don't know how you went through all those years without being diagnose. I was diagnose when I was 3 years old (25 now) and the cause of it was due to high fever when I was a baby. To make a long story short, as a child, I was very ashamed and couldn't understand why it had to be me. With that attitude and being questioned by kids, I didn't wear my hearing aids (which wasn't good because it effected my speech) and my mother couldn't help me much. I had a lot of support but it just couldn't convince me enough. A few years I was put in special ed with the hard of hearing and deaf class and it actually boost my confidence about myself but most times it still didn't change my attitude to be more open about my hearing disability since I felt most people would look at me differently (sadly, still believe it to this day). Of course you would feel more comfortable with people who have the same thing as you.
May not be a similar life story as yours but you should probably know how I feel. The sad part is that I STILL don't wear a hearing aid, only wear it in important places (like jobs, school or doctors..etc), which I know it's bad but it does bother me wearing it outside since I live in the city and can't handle the noisy streets. I've been through many hearing aids, I would say the best ones that work for me is the behind the ear...there are other good ones but it all depends on your hearing. I only wear one since I am profound on the other ear. It does get uncomfortable after wearing it all day.
To try to cope, try to meet other hearing disable people in the community and talk about these things. Things will get better for you when you look in other things in life and be more grateful. Just be strong!

I found out my hearing loss at hospital by an audiologist at 14 (15 now) Mild deaf in both ears. For years, I didn't even notice, everyone else did though, because I kept saying what all the time.

It's not such a bad thing, I have hearing aids, they can be uncomforble but they help so much, I'm used to lipreading too, so without them, I can hear (sometimes!).

I also have a slight lisp aswel.

The news, was quite shocking, but it's not as bad as you think, because I am deafer then you slightly in both ears. And with hearing aids, you don't feel much different.

Thats life, its hard, but everyone is unique and different, don't think your different from everyone else, because your not, e-mail me ANYTIME for questions, and I'll get back to you.

Good luck.

I knew I was losing my hearing but never went in to get tested. I always thought, "I have time tomorrow." Well I now have 30% loss in the left ear and 10% is the right.

I have started taking American Sign Language classes. Those classes have allowed to me talk to other people that have lost their hearing after speaking English their whole life, as well as those that have been born deaf.

It has opened my eyes and I am not so afraid of losing my hearing now. I can still communicate with people, including a whole deaf community that has made me feel welcome and helped to ease my fears.

I have opted not to go with hearing aids. For me, this is a challenge that I have to meet. Once I started learning ASL, my kids also started learning. In the future I may go with hearing aids, but, honestly, I have accepted my hearing loss.

If it gets worse, if it stays where it's at, it is a part of me that I have accepted and will live with it. But you are younger have your whole life ahead of you. Totally different position.

I wish I had to words that could help soothe your fears. But the only person that can do that is you. I would suggest talking to some deaf or hard of hearing people about it. Hear their stories and how they dealt with it. Listen with an open mind and an open heart. It may help you.

I wish you the best and if you need talk to an annonymous person, I am here.