A Family Guide to Hearing Loss
An estimated 28 million people suffer from some degree of hearing
loss, which means that either directly or indirectly, each of
us is affected.
Hearing usually deteriorates very gradually.
The process can be so slow that the impaired person may not even
be aware of the problem until others notice it.
The hearing impaired
person exhibits slight personality shifts, asking others to repeat
what they say more often or turning up the TV and radio. The
entire family may find they are making changes to accommodate
the hearing loss.
The solution may be a hearing aid. However,
many hearing impaired individuals resist this help because of
the stigma wrongfully attached to hearing aids. Most hearing
loss sufferers are unaware of the new technology available in
hearing aids and hearing-assistive devices.
Once the hearing impaired
individual accepts the advantages of a hearing aid, they may
face the often frustrating task of re-learning how to listen. This
often takes a period of time to redevelop. During this period, the
rest of the family plays an important role in the hearing impaired
person's adjustment to amplification.
These guidelines help ease the hearing aid user's
transition to better communication:
- Some degree of lip reading is part of
understanding oral communication; When possible, speak to the
hearing aid user's face.
- Get their attention before you speak.
- Don't try to communicate
from one room to another.
- Don't try to communicate in noisy environments
during the first few weeks of hearing aid use. During this
period, the hearing aid user is learning to sort out important
sounds from the background; this can be difficult in the beginning.
- If you haven't been understood,
rephrase rather than repeat. With each successful listening
experience, the hearing aid user develops more confidence in
the hearing aid.
- The
best distance for safe, comfortable television viewing is 8
to 10 feet.
- Hearing
is more difficult when people are tired or ill.
Patience and understanding
are essential as hearing aid users redevelop listening skills
at their own pace. Your attitude can either discourage the use of a
hearing aid, or help the hearing impaired person realize its full benefits.
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Types of hearing loss
Additional information about hearing aids
