In 2016, April Corner was diagnosed with Otosclerosis, a form of hearing loss caused by an abnormal growth of the bone in the middle ear. She relies on hearing aids every single day.
Through her online platform, Hard to Hear It, April shares her hearing loss journey with the goal of spreading awareness and connecting with others in the hearing loss community.
She recently shared her story with us and the importance of reflecting on your hearing loss journey.
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Discovering you have hearing loss is an adjustment. No matter how significant the loss.
When I was first diagnosed with Otosclerosis back in 2016 at the age of 25, I remember I left my appointment in tears. I went to that appointment thinking I just needed a cleaning not that I would leave with the recommendation of getting a hearing aid.
My initial diagnosis was mild/moderate hearing loss. Within a few months after my first appointment, I had my first hearing aid. I only needed one for my left side at the beginning.
Even though I had a hearing aid I was so stubborn to wear it. At the time I could still hear enough to get by so I told myself things like - “I will only wear it in loud settings” or “It’s just here if I need it.” The truth was I did need it, right from the beginning.
It took me over a year to come to terms with the fact that my hearing aids made my life easier and that there was nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed by.
Once I started wearing my hearing aid regularly, I was shocked at how much I was missing. A little over 2 years passed when I realized my hearing was declining again. This time I went to a new audiologist (always a good idea to get a second opinion if you are able to).
This time I knew what was coming, a second hearing aid was needed for my right ear. Since getting my second hearing aid I wear them every single day.
I have found that speaking about my experiences with hearing loss has helped me cope in a lot of ways. I found getting my feelings out whether that be to someone directly or in a journal helped me process everything. That is why I created an 8 - Week Hearing Loss Reflection Journal.
This journal is a place to reflect, cope, and share the struggles we have to go through with hearing loss. It is so important to allow ourselves time to digest the frustrations we have to deal with on a daily basis. Hearing loss impacts many aspects of our lives and if we don’t allow ourselves to digest what we are feeling it won’t help improve the situation.
You can purchase my 8 - Week Hearing Loss Reflection Journal on Amazon – click here.
To shop other products from Hard to Hear It, visit the online store.
Follow April and interact with her on the following platforms:
Instagram: @hardtohearit
Facebook: @hardtohearit