Tips for Self Confidence in Children or Adults with Hearing Loss
Tips for Self Confidence in Children or Adults with Hearing Loss
By Eric Brody
I was reading a facebook post from a mom who said
My daughter is 14 and is incredibly insecure and in denial of her insecurity. She won’t let others know she’s hearing impaired, she hates it when people ask any questions and wishes she was just “able to hear and not be deaf
Please give me tips for getting her confidence up. I’ve tried to explain that her feelings are so valid in not wanting to talk about it when being asked, people feel that way for a lot of things wishing their thing was accepted or looked at as “the norm” and not needed to be asked about."
To all the parents out there, I ask you to pause for a moment and imagine what life will be like when your children turn 18, 27, or even 45. I can tell you—because I’ve lived through those stages as a Deaf/Hard of Hearing (HoH) child and have worked with thousands of Deaf/HoH individuals over the years.
Let me start with age 18. It’s a time when many young people leave home for college, stepping out of their sheltered surroundings into a whole new world. It’s a challenge for most hearing students, but imagine adding the layer of being Deaf/HoH.
Having spent years working in university administration, I’ve seen the stark contrast between two groups of Deaf/HoH students. Those who grew up knowing sign language and socializing with other Deaf/HoH peers exude an inner confidence. They navigate campus life with self-assurance. In contrast, those who never learned to sign or connected with their Deaf/HoH community often arrive with noticeable uncertainty—grappling with fear and trepidation as they face this new chapter on their own.
Then comes age 27. By this time, most have left the familiar worlds of family and college behind. They’re building careers and expanding their social circles. Once again, the difference between the two groups is clear. Those who are fluent in sign and have a strong social network of Deaf/HoH peers move through life with ease, meeting others and forming connections without needing to change who they are. Meanwhile, those without that foundation often find themselves struggling to adapt, unsure of how to fit in.
Now, picture age 45. You might think this is the point where life finally feels stable—with a spouse, children, and a steady job. But ask anyone, Deaf or hearing—it’s rarely smooth sailing. Life at this stage is filled with even more demands: understanding your children, balancing time with your (likely hearing) spouse, managing work pressures, and somehow still making room for yourself. By this age, finding time to learn sign language or build connections with other Deaf/HoH individuals is far harder—something that could have been so much easier if started at a younger age.
So, to all the parents—and to anyone losing their hearing or growing up Deaf/HoH without signing or socializing—I can’t emphasize this enough: Don’t be afraid. Get out there. Learn sign language. Build friendships with other Deaf/HoH individuals. You will gain inner confidence, discover a supportive community, and find role models to learn from. Most importantly, you will live up to your full potential—and be happy being yourself.
Carpe Diem!