As a hearing loss and deaf community, we have one of life’s greatest virtues, patience. Whether this relates to our communications with others or if it’s adjusting to new hearing devices, we all have our struggles and patience becomes one of our deaf gains. We have all experienced many occasions where patience, directly related to our lack of hearing, is necessary.
Our unique experiences often call for resilience, adaptability and above all, patience. It’s a skill which benefits us in life, as well as in the deaf community.
The Power of Patience
‘Patience is a virtue’ – it’s a well known saying, but it’s much more than this. It’s a life skill and a powerful mindset that can lead to growth and personal development. Firstly though, lets look at the importance of patience when adjusting to new hearing equipment, because it’s common deaf experience.
Adjusting to New Hearing Devices
The process of receiving and adjusting to new hearing devices can be both exciting and overwhelming. While a new device may promise some enhanced communication, they can also greatly alter your perception of sound and require an understanding of their mechanics. I recall having much frustration when I made the switch from analogue to digital many years ago.
Learning Curve – Just like any new skill, becoming comfortable with hearing devices takes time. From understanding the various settings to recognising different sounds, patience is the bridge between total frustration and mastery.
Physical Sensations – Wearing hearing devices might introduce new sensations and sounds that can be unfamiliar at first. Patience allows you to gradually get used to these sensations and recognise that they are stepping stones towards improved hearing experiences. New devices can mean a temporary overload of sound or a temporary total lack of sound.
Communication Adaptation – Effective communication involves more than just hearing; it’s about connecting with others on multiple levels. Patience enables you to adjust your communication style and wait for others to adjust theirs, as you gain confidence in using your new devices, enhancing your interactions over time. Its important to add here that patience in communication is not just limited to those of us who wear hearing devices, but also to everyone who signs.
Many in our community will have also experienced patience when waiting for referrals, appointments and adjustments too, just to obtain some level of care. However, all these adaptations and perseverance can serve us amazingly well in life and perhaps you recognise some of the following skills in yourself:
Life Lessons In Patience
Resilience – Patience nurtures resilience, enabling you to face challenges with a positive attitude. Just as you have patiently adapted to your lack of hearing, you can apply the same mindset to overcome obstacles in various aspects of life.
Empathy – As you grow in patience through your own lived experience, you are able to develop empathy for others on their own journey. This empathy strengthens our community and your own sense of belonging.
Self-Discovery – Patience and deafness can often force you to look within yourself. This self discovery can actually give you a deeper understanding of yourself and what you want out of life.
Celebrating Progress – Those who have patience are more likely to celebrate the smaller wins along the way. When you recognise each step you take forward as progress, you are far more likely to remain motivated and achieve your goals.
In a fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget about having a little patience and recognising how far we’ve come. Choosing to embrace patience is easier said than done. However if you can, it empowers you to overcome challenges, to learn and to grow – both in your deaf journey and in life. At Deaf Club, we come from all different backgrounds. Some of us were born deaf, for some it occurred later in life, some of us wear devices and others do not. But we are all practiced in patience, perseverance and resilience, and that in itself is something to be celebrated! Fancy joining our exclusive online community? Join here
