Meet Shannon.
Hi there! I’m Shannon. Hearing loss has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad (and most of his siblings) have worn hearing aids so I assume that’s where I inherited it from. Growing up I was in denial about my hearing loss. Accepting it was a challenging process, but it has led me to a deeper understanding of myself and my strengths.
Earliest Memories
Some of my earliest memories of my dad’s hearing aids was the ear mold was hard yet fragile… like glass. While he didn't hide them from us, it was never a topic I felt comfortable discussing with him. I was embarrassed to admit that I was having trouble hearing too. In school and social situations, I always used to think to myself “why do I hear better when I put my glasses on?” I wasn’t a bad student. I got through my grade school years by relying solely on lip reading. I look back and wonder if any of my teachers ever voiced any concerns to my parents. Once I entered the workforce, I realized that something had to give. The fast-paced, demanding environment of a job was a whole different ballgame. I felt overwhelmed, I struggled to keep up with phone conversations, and follow instructions.
With the help of a program called Vocational Rehabilitation, I was able to qualify for financial assistance to obtain a pair of hearing aids. It was like a whole new world opened up to me. I was shocked at how much I had been missing. It was both exhilarating and overwhelming.
Overcoming Hearing Loss in Motherhood
When I became a mom, my concerns about hearing loss deepened. I worried about my ability to hear and understand my daughter's cries, her first words, and her laughter. The free pair of hearing aids I had been using was now over 10 years old and the cost of getting a new pair was more than I could afford at the time. Add to that, my daughter was born… 2 months earlier than expected. I was launched into motherhood in the NICU with a tender little 3 pound baby. During her stay in the NICU, her father and I were trying to find an affordable way to get me a new pair of hearing aids. Finally, a local owned audiologist office was willing to work out a payment plan with me and I got an upgrade. This new pair had Bluetooth capabilities which connected to my cellphone and with that, I felt better prepared for infant life with my daughter once she was released from the NICU.
Breaking the Stigma of Hearing Loss
Looking back, I wish I had had more support and guidance growing up. I probably just needed someone to say it’s OK to admit to having trouble hearing. That's why I'm passionate about sharing my experience and empowering others who are Deaf or hard of hearing. It's important to remember there are resources available to help you navigate the challenges you face. It is only by sharing your story, that you can see you're not alone and you can help break down the stigma regarding hearing loss. Together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate world for all.
