Hearing loss can be a source of tension.

There’s tension between wanting to participate and wanting to withdraw. Group events and gatherings can be full of tension because communicating with unfamiliar people is difficult.

So there is a push-pull: “I want to be part of this,” versus “It’s too hard to follow.”

That push-pull can turn a social event into something that requires preparation, vigilance and effort rather than something relaxing.

A decision to participate as fully as possible can create tension too. A subtle physical and mental tension: leaning forward, watching faces intensely, concentrating harder, anticipating what someone might say, or worrying that you’ve missed something.

For me, especially before getting cochlear implants, tension became a habit. I still suffer from tension headaches when I approach a situation on autopilot.

Attention to the breath is an antidote. Square breathing in particular has proven to be effective. Try it with me now!

Thanks to Pearce Socials for the stunning videography and putting it all together!