Human beings are social creatures, and communication is fundamental to our daily interactions. It is an important part of every relationship, whether it is with a family member, work colleague or passing acquaintance. Communication is a human right and it is often taken for granted.
Hearing loss often means that the ability to communicate is reduced or made more difficult. The impact of this on an individual should not be underestimated. Hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s education, employment, socialisation, relationships, mental health and overall quality of life.
Currently in Australia, hearing loss is the second most common health condition, experienced by 1 in 6 people (Source: Hearing Care Industry Association). The chances are you likely know someone who has hearing loss and might be struggling to some extent. The chances are also high that they would appreciate some support from those around them.
How do you help someone with a hearing loss? Firstly, it is important to recognise that not everyone feels the same.
Hearing Loss
A hearing loss can come in many forms. It can vary in degree from mild to profound. The loss can be sensorineural, meaning it is a permanent loss caused by damage to the inner ear. Or it can be conductive, caused by damage to the outer or middle ear. A conductive loss when treated, can in some circumstances result in hearing being improved or fully restored.
Hearing loss can also be a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss which is known as a mixed loss. A loss can be sudden or happen progressively over many years. It can affect one ear or both ears.
How can you help with a hearing loss? In the same way hearing loss varies significantly from person to person, so can a person's response to hearing loss. How a person will feel about and cope with hearing loss will vary greatly. However, there are common emotions and experiences that are shared. Understanding of some of the daily issues that someone with a hearing loss encounters will provide a better understanding of how to help with hearing loss.
Common Emotions
Confusion and fear: When someone is diagnosed with a hearing loss, it can be an emotionally difficult time. With a progressive hearing loss, someone may have noticed mild difficulties which gradually become more pronounced over the years. Some may suspect hearing loss themselves and others do not feel they need help with hearing loss. Being formally diagnosed can still come as a shock and often people will be surprised by their own reaction to the news.
A sudden loss gives no time for preparation and there are often feelings of confusion and fear when being told a sudden loss is permanent.
Frustration: Asking people to repeat themselves, mishearing someone, giving an incorrect answer and missing the punchline can all result in frustration and feeling you are a step behind everyone else. Frustration at themselves, frustration at the environment, frustration with the people they are speaking to.
Embarrassment: Mishearing and laughing at the wrong comment can also be embarrassing for many. It draws attention to someone at a time when they are often trying hard to hide their struggle. Sometimes people associate the hearing loss with getting old and are embarrassed to wear hearing aids or ask for help with hearing loss.
Isolation: When social situations become increasingly more difficult, they can become less enjoyable. Often people with hearing loss withdraw from social gatherings and stop participating in activities they previously found enjoyable. Even when physically present, someone with hearing loss can feel isolated.
Fatigue: Constantly having to concentrate and work out what people are saying without all the information can be exhausting.
Anger: A combination of the emotions already discussed can result in a previously calm, patient person responding in an uncharacteristic way. Becoming short tempered and abrupt or quick to anger.
People with hearing loss can find themselves dealing with stress and anxiety daily, which can lead to depression and further isolation. It is important they feel supported by those close to them and feel that help is available.
How do you support someone with a hearing loss?
The first thing to do is to ask the question “what can I do to make it easier”? Communication strategies that help with hearing loss are in fact helpful to everyone, so it is the perfect time to start establishing good communication habits.
Face the person: Hearing impaired people rely on using visual cues even if they have hearing aids. Speak to them face to face so that they have access to these cues. Keep in mind that facial hair and eating or touching your mouth while speaking will interfere with the cues they get from lip reading.
Reduce distance: Make sure you are close enough when speaking. The further away you are, the harder it becomes and the less hearing aids will help with hearing loss.
Facial expressions: Body language and facial expressions also provide a lot of additional information.
Control the environment: This is obviously not always possible. However good lighting and reducing background noise will help. Mute the TV or move away from the dishwasher when having a conversation.
Speak clearly and slow down your speech slightly. Louder is not necessarily better and can in fact lead to words sounding distorted.
Rephrase if someone is having difficulty understanding what you are saying, try saying it in a different way. Rephrasing can be more helpful than repeating.
Introduce the subject: Before speaking introduce the subject as that will give contextual cues. Also let them know when you are changing the subject.
Help the person stay informed: Discuss current events. If everyone is talking about a particular subject, it will make conversation easier to follow if they are well informed on the subject.
Go to appointments: Have hearing loss explained by an Audiologist and let them know if you are willing and ready to receive help with hearing loss and hearing aids. Make sure to ask questions. Find out about Assistive Listening Devices and new technology and how they can potentially provide additional help.
Be informed and interested: Ask how the person is feeling and coping. Offer your support if they want to talk about anything. Encourage and help facilitate continued socialisation and be sensitive. Ask for their help in choosing an appropriate location, or keep the numbers of people attending smaller. Remember to be patient. Don’t say “don’t worry” if they ask for repetition. Instead take the time to use your new and improved communications skills.
Research: Look into what help is available in your local area. There are organisations that provide additional services such as lipreading courses, information sessions or social groups. Find out which local locations have loop systems. Work out together which restaurants and cafes are acoustically more suitable. Locations that have soft furnishings, fewer or double- glazed windows and good lighting are more appropriate. All of these things will help with hearing loss.
Successful communication is not a one way street. With numerous options available to help including hearing aids, advanced technology, support of others and some practice, successful and rewarding communication is an achievable goal. At Attune, hearing loss does not have to be a communication barrier. With the help of highly trained Audiologists, the Attune team are able to advise on communication tactics, equipment and personalised treatment for each individual. Book an appointment today with Attune for more information and help on hearing loss.