Heating impairment /Depression

whatdidyousay

I am 69 retired.
My wife bless her is still working which are long hours.
I go out with my deaf dog for a coffee now and again as she is the only one I can talk to?
I am hearing impaired and love conversation. I try to listen but it's frustrating and people normally just walk away
sort of ' don't talk to the deaf guy' 
Most functions I go to  I am lucky that my wife is with me and she can relay what's being said?
But she has her friends to talk to and family.
I also have Clinical Depression so I guess it's normal to be isolated by society
Not complaining because God knows there are people worse off then me.
Anyone know of a good groups for the hearing impaired where you can meet and have a natter
Loneliness makes my depression worse!
Well, there you go.... bit of a dilemma but must soldier on
?  Keep smiling folks

EmmaB

Hello @whatdidyousay

I get the sense from your post that you would like to have more social contact and are a determined sort of guy, I also get the feeling that you have a good sense of humour?!

I know first hand that having a hearing loss is bloody hard work...  In my experience audiologists vary enormously and so my first thought is whether you have the best hearing aids [NHS are now prescribing Phonak aids which are way better than what they were dishing out before] and whether they've been adjusted properly because the way the aids are adjusted can make a huge difference.  This might be a first starting point to maximise any hearing you still have? 

Having a dog is a great way of connecting with people and it's good to hear that he/she is motivating you to get out.  I guess you take him/her for walks too - exercise is the best 'drug' for depression going.

Can you do BSL?  I'm just thinking if you can then I know people who are learning to sign are always looking for people to chat to?

I quickly looked up a couple of links that you might find helpful, I hope you can find a group in your area:

https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/how-we-help/support-and-care/social-groups/

https://www.hearinglink.org/connect/groups-clubs-people-hearing-loss/

Finally have you ever tried mindfulness?  When I first came across it I thought it was a load of mumbo jumbo but I've found it very calming and it's well proven to help with depression?  

I really hope you find a great group to join as that sounds like a positive thing to do on all sorts of levels.  Good Luck!

Best wishes.

Emma

EmmaB

PS the action on hearing loss link / search facility looks hopeless... but their forums might be a way of finding a local group:  

https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/live-well/our-community/our-forums/

whatdidyousay

Thank you.
Will check it out