Self-help group

A self-help group consists of people with a shared problem which they want help and inspiration from other people to overcome. People with hearing loss can use self-help groups to exchange experience and advice.

Participating in self-help groups is a good way in which to handle a hearing loss, because by talking to others with the same experience as oneself, one’s sense of equal worth can be restored.

A kind of oasis

In the group you are no longer alone but one of many, and this gives psychological strength. The self-help group can become a kind of oasis, where you regain strength to meet the somewhat more difficult reality outside.

By talking with others, you come to realise why hearing loss is often associated with grief, guilt, shame and prejudices. You will also understand that many of your reactions are quite normal. By supporting each other you can find some tools with which to overcome challenges.

Use the group in the right way

Self-help groups can also be a place where you tell each other how hard it is to be in the labour market. Or where you complain about how you always have to remind other people of your hearing needs.

In other words, the self-help group can stop you from developing instead of helping you. Therefore it is important to use self-help groups in the right way. They should not replace contact and fellowship with friends, family and colleagues. You must be aware that you have to leave the self-group at some point to join life outside the group.

Advice for self-help groups

The self-help group should meet in a neutral place and not in a private home. For the group to function well it is important:

that all members of the group feel they have a problem that they need help to solve

that the participants wish for a change, are motivated and prepared to work on the problem

that the participants are willing to talk about themselves and give a little of themselves

that all are willing to listen to others’ problems and views

that they can handle hearing that others are having a bad time.

Agree on the rules

All members of the group must promise to keep all the rules agreed on. An example could be:

confidentiality and silence, including that you do not after the meeting talk with some of the other participants about what happened during the meeting

that you speak one at a time; that you do not interrupt the speaker or make negative comments

that you are on time; that you remember to let the others know if you are unable to participate.