We can't all be geniuses, but we can all find constructive ways to assertively voice our commitment to life. Bargaining is the stage in which we acknowledge our disability in a half hearted way, really still hiding, still in fear. We may, for example, buy and wear a hearing aid, but we hide it and we don't really help others communicate with us. Here we need to intelligently analyze our situation, and see that we aren't doing ourselves a disservice, moving a step backward for every step forward. Depression happens when we finally stop hiding, and allow ourselves to experience the sadness of our loss.
Sadness is natural, and is a healthy response.
Mourning nurtures, even cherishes this sadness-when you don't fight it. It will gradually lessen on its own, allowing you to begin acting effectively again. Acceptance and adjustment come when we consciously work to minimize the handicapping effects of hearing impairment, and go forward doing what we must. After all, everyone is flawed, everyone is mortal, but life goes on. Some of our members were talking about how to encourage people to speak so we can understand them.