Many people that have a loss of hearing often feel that they are the only one with the problem. Yet, it is estimated that 1 out of 10 people in the U.S. have some degree of hearing loss. I'm sure you know someone else that has a hearing impairment. So, don't feel you are alone! Hearing loss not only affects the individual suffering from the loss, but also has an impact on the entire family. The feelings of frustration, anger and withdrawal felt by the individual due to their inability to understand others are the same feelings of frustration, anger and withdrawal the family feels because they cannot make themselves understood. The information presented here is to help the family members gain a better understanding of the nature of hearing loss and how they may help the individual overcome the problem.

The onset of hearing loss is usually very gradual. It may take place over 25-30 years or it may happen more rapidly if you are exposed to loud noises at work or through hobbies. Because it usually does occur slowly, you may not even be aware you have a problem until someone else brings it to your attention. Here is a simple test you can take to determine if you have a hearing problem.

Do you have to turn the volume up on the television?

Do you frequently have to ask others to repeat?

Do you have difficulty understanding when in groups or in noisy situations?

Do you have to sit up front in meetings or in church in order to understand?

Do you have difficulty understanding women or young children?

Do you have trouble knowing where sounds are coming from?

Are you able to understand when someone talks to you from another room?

Have others told you that you don't seem to hear them?

Do you avoid family meetings or social situations because you "can't understand"?

Do you have ringing or other noises (tinnitus) in your ears?

Answered Yes to less than 3 of the questions no significant hearing loss present

Answered Yes to between 3 and 5 of the questions you may have a slight hearing problem*

Answered Yes to between 5 and 7 of the questions you have a moderate hearing problem*

Answered to more than 7 of the questions you have a significant hearing problem*

*In order to determine the exact degree of hearing loss present, you should have your hearing evaluated by a licensed hearing professional.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

For those with hearing problems, help may often be obtained by wearing hearing aids. By providing amplification, the individual will have an opportunity to better understand what is being said. New technology hearing aids also are capable of adjusting the volume automatically, which prevents sounds from becoming too loud or annoying

Even though the person may hear better, he/she must relearn how to listen. This is where the family can help by giving emotional support and understanding of the problem. In order to make the adjustment easier, here a few suggestions for the family:

Speak in a Normal Voice. The tendency is to talk louder when you see someone with a hearing aid. However, this may actually cause the person discomfort and greater difficulty understanding.

Speak a Little More Slowly and Clearly. Don't overdue this, however. Try to use "clear speech - repeat speech" while the person is in the process of adjusting. If the person is having difficulty understanding, it is often better to rephrase rather than to simply saying the same thing over and over.

Speak to the Person 's Face. By being able to see you, your facial expression, gestures and body language, the person will be able to understand more. Research has shown that 86% of a person's ability to understand comes from visual clues. Only 14% understanding comes from the words spoken

Reduce the Background noise. In the beginning, the person is trying to concentrate and adjust to sorting out the difference between important sounds and background noise. Turning down the volume of the television when trying to communicate is not always possible but you can position yourself in a quiet area of the room, restaurant, etc. to avoid the distractions.

Encourage and Support the Individual through the Adjustment Process. These suggestions are to help you assist the hearing aid user adjust to the New World of sound. While they may seem like common sense, we do not want to diminish their importance. Through your support, understanding and encouragement of the family, the hearing aid user will relearn how to listen and understand so that they may be able to enjoy better living through better hearing. Without your support, the hearing aid may wind up in the dresser drawer with reluctance on the part of the hearing impaired to ever try again.

 

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