In celebration of Mother's Day, we want to honor and appreciate all the amazing moms out there, including those who may be facing unique challenges, such as hearing loss. We know everyone has their own unique journey with navigating their hearing loss and Starkey is here to empower and support your journey to hearing better and living better. That’s why we've collaborated with our friend April Corner, a new mom navigating parenthood with hearing loss, to share her experience and tips for other moms who may be facing similar challenges.
As a first-time mom who is hearing impaired, I know firsthand the anxiety and nerves that come with the prospect of managing parenthood with a hearing loss. However, now that my daughter is 9 months old, I wish I could go back in time and tell myself not to worry as much.
If I could, these are three things that I would tell myself to better prepare for the journey of motherhood:
Embrace your true self
My daughter has never known me as hearing, she will only ever know me as hearing impaired. This is the only version of me she knows, and it's her normal. So, when I miss things or don't hear something correctly, I remind myself that it's okay. My hearing loss is a part of who I am, and my daughter loves me for who I am.
It's okay to feel overwhelmed
Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming, regardless of whether or not you have a hearing impairment. When my daughter cries and it becomes too much for me to handle (sometimes the higher pitches can make my hearing aids ring, adding to the overwhelm), I take out my hearing aids. It was tough to accept at first, and I often felt guilty about it (and still do sometimes). But I've come to accept that it's just a part of the journey. It's okay to take a break when you need it. Becoming a parent brings about significant changes to your life, and it's a constant learning process as you adapt and grow along the way.
Find a supportive community.
As a hearing-impaired parent, finding a supportive community can be invaluable. The amount of information being pushed at new parents is A LOT. Connecting with other parents who understand the unique challenges of parenting with hearing loss can provide reassurance, guidance, and valuable insights that can help you on your own journey. From helpful products to shared experiences, having a supportive network can make the journey of parenthood a little easier.
Remember, at the end of the day, we're all just doing our best. Whether you're a mom-to-be, a new mom, or a seasoned mom, you are your child's parent, and only YOU know what's best for your family. So, embrace your true self, remember to take care of yourself, and find a supportive community to lean on.
You got this!