How to Live a Happy Life if You're Deaf or Hard of Hearing (Teens)

Being a teen who’s deaf or hard of hearing can pose many challenges. Your hearing loss requires that you learn a variety of skills to enhance your functioning. However, this realityshould not stop you from leading a full and happy life. You can optimize your chances of success by taking advantage of services, cultivating interests and friendships, and gaining a sense of autonomy from your parents.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Fostering Interests and Friendships

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Let others know how they can best communicate with you. Communication is one of the basic ways people get to know one another and forge bonds. As a deaf or hard of hearing teen, you are challenged with helping others communicate with you. It can also help to anticipate communication roadblocks and prepare for them.
- For example, you might keep a notepad with you so that you can quickly explain that you are deaf and allow others to communicate with you.
- You might learn fundamental communication skills in a class, but you can also get tips on how to navigate such situations by turning to online resources. The Listening and Spoken Language Knowledge Center features a variety of blogs and videos that show you how to overcome common communication barriers.
2
Join social groups to connect with other deaf teens. Identify community groups and national organizations for deaf and hard of hearing people. Such organizations like the Hearing Loss Association of America have local chapters where you can connect with others like you.
- Advantages of such groups include getting the opportunity to communicate with other deaf or hard of hearing teens, getting current info about assistive technologies, and learning practical coping strategies from other members.
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3
Take part in extracurricular activities at school. Being deaf or hard of hearing doesn’t have to hold you back from living a rewarding life as a student. Your hearing shouldn’t stand in the way of you participating in school sports, clubs, and other student activities.
- Choose one or two groups that pique your interest and sign up. Your school should offer accommodations so that you can fully participate in any offered activities.
4
Pursue your passions and interests. Beyond school, you can find joy and meet new friends by engaging in a range of hobbies or interests. Consider different hobbies you might like to pick up that aren’t limited by your hearing loss. Options include exciting activities like writing, dance, crafting, painting, gardening, and woodworking.^{[1]XResearch source}
- When you participate in activities you enjoy, you are more likely to build connections with others who have similar interests.
5
Learn how to respond to bullying and exclusion. People with conditions such as hearing loss may be the subject of teasing by others. In addition, you may be excluded and/or discriminated against at work, at school, or in the community. Understand that you have the right to be treated fairly and know who to contact if bullying or discrimination occurs.
- Confide in an adult you trust and whom you are comfortable communicating with. Explain to them what happened and that you would like to take action.
- You might sign or write a note saying something like, "The kids at school never leave a seat for me. I have to sit on the floor. It makes me feel terrible. Please help."^{[2]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Developing Autonomy

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Advocate for yourself. Because deaf or hard of hearing teens tend to look like any other teen, it may be hard for others to identify your needs at first glance. A part of gaining a sense of autonomy comes from advocating for yourself and letting others know how they can help.
- For example, you might communicate your hearing loss in your preferred way (e.g. speech, text or signing). Then, explain your needs. For example, you might say, “Hi, my name is Beth. I am deaf. Can you please provide closed captioning so that I can enjoy the movie?”^{[3]XResearch source}
As you get older a part of gaining independence is to take an active role in your health and well-being. Stop depending on your parents to remember to replace your hearing aid batteries or schedule audiology appointments. You can exercise autonomy by doing these things for yourself.^{[4]XResearch source}
3
Think about the next steps for your education. One of the most exciting, and often overwhelming, periods of a teenager’s life is readying themselves for college. You are probably just as thrilled about transitioning into the next phase of your life. As you think about post-secondary plans, be sure to consider options that best suit your circumstances.
- Research colleges and plan visits. Stop by their disabilities center to learn about any accommodations they provide.
- Of course, you’ll also want to weigh in on whether an institution fits your financial budget and choice of major.
Your local disabilities office, and eventually your college career resource center, can help you locate jobs that align with your hearing loss. In fact, there are many occupations in which deaf or hard of hearing people can be particularly skilled, such as science or the performing arts. Clarify your interests and find out how to progress towards the job or career you desire.^{[5]XResearch source}
5
Know when you need help. If you feel lonely, unhappy or stressed, you must be willing to seek out help. Living with hearing loss can pose many challenges, but you can get assistance from professional counselors.
- Ask your parent, community advocate, or family doctor to help you locate a counselor who is trained to work with deaf people.^{[6]XResearch source}
- This professional can work with you to identify your challenges and come up with feasible solutions that help you feel better about life.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Use of Services and Technologies

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Register with your local disabilities office. If your hearing loss is recent, a great place to get started is by registering with a disability resource office in your area. Doing so can help you gain access to services and accommodations in your local community.
- Once you register, you might be assigned a special advocate to help you take advantage of various services.
- If you are having trouble coping with a recent diagnosis, this center can also provide you with adjustment counseling services to cope with being deaf.
2
Look into assistive listening devices. Depending on your level of hearing loss, you might be able to select from a variety of devices. One of the most effective choices is hearing aids, which may help enhance your hearing and quality of life.
- Based on your age, you might also be a candidate for cochlear implants, which are devices that are surgically inserted to connect directly to the auditory nerve. Such implants bypass any damaged structures in your ear to improve sound quality.
Most public places align with the disability laws to provide assistive hearing technology such as closed captioning TVs and phones, amplified phones, FM systems and strobe lighting or vibrational alarm systems. In addition, you can take advantage of social technology such as social networking sites, modified video conferencing, chat rooms, and smartphones.
4
Take classes to learn practical skills. Your local disabilities office probably offers a variety of skills-based courses for deaf or hard of hearing individuals. Check with your local office to find out which classes they have available.
- In addition, you can take part in special programs such as Leadership Opportunities for Teens (LOFT). This program focuses on helping teens develop communication, self-confidence and leadership skills that are necessary to lead a full life.^{[7]XResearch source}
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