When a patient suspects they have a hearing loss, they often enter the grieving process. But, what does this mean exactly?

Do patients navigate through the grieving process and THEN purchase hearing aids? Do patients still grieve even after they're fit with hearing aids?

You see, grief is not linear. This means that patients do not enter the denial stage, then anger stage, then bargaining stage, etc. In this episode, Blaise reviews the five stages of grief and connects Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Stages of Development to the hearing aid fitting and counseling process. The five stages of grief, thanks to the wonderful work of Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross include:

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

Why is the mind-brain connection so important when you're fitting patients with hearing aids? As humans, we don't necessarily respond well to change. When a patient suspects they present with hearing loss, enters the grieving process, and is then fit with hearing aids...well...this is a lot of change at once! As hearing care providers, we need to continue to place heavy emphasis on the hearing aid counseling process and understand what the mindset of the patient is. If you suspect that a patient needs additional assistance and you need to refer to a clinical psychologist or therapist, be sure to have that conversation with your patient.

If you are interested in listening to Dr. Andrew Huberman's podcast episode on grief, you can do so by clicking here.

If you are a current or future hearing aid user, give yourself grace. If you need assistance finding a hearing healthcare provider in your area, please send us an email and we will connect with you a trusted hearing healthcare provider.

Support the show

Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team

Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com

Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast

Twitter: @hearing_mattas

Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Embark on a profound exploration of the mind's auditory avenues with Dr. Douglas Beck and the distinguished Dr. Julia Sarant, as we unravel the intricate web connecting hearing health and cognitive vitality. Our conversation lifts the veil on how untreated hearing loss might fast-track cognitive decline, particularly in the older population, while considering the additional strains imposed by socioeconomic disparities and other health conditions.

As your guide through this critical discourse, we shine a light on the pivotal role of hearing care professionals and the revolutionary potential of hearing aids to possibly turn the tide against the risks of dementia. We wrap up with a powerful message that could redefine the future of cognitive care: the use of hearing aids might not just slow cognitive decline, but may actually halt it. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, filled with thought-provoking findings on how auditory assistance can have far-reaching implications beyond just improved hearing. Dr. Sarant's expertise helps us appreciate the sweeping enhancements to quality of life hearing aid technology can foster, painting a hopeful picture for the marriage of better hearing and better thinking.

Join us for a journey that could change the way we perceive the interplay between our ears and our minds.

Support the show

Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team

Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com

Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast

Twitter: @hearing_mattas

Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Support the show

Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team

Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com

Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast

Twitter: @hearing_mattas

Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast