If you are living with hearing loss then you know how frustrating it can be at times. Hearing loss is often described as an invisible disability and this means it may seem as though you are constantly having to “come out” as hearing impaired. This can mean having to explain the best ways to communicate with you, and the ways to make conversation go smoother. At times it can feel as though explaining your hearing loss to others is more frustrating than the hearing loss itself.
What People Don’t Understand
People don’t understand that the way they speak can be difficult to follow or that loud noises may just seem unusually loud due to hyperacusis. You may feel more exhausted from even a small social interaction as straining to fill in the spaces lost in words and sentences can feel completely draining. The important thing to remember is that even if hearing loss is completely frustrating, it’s important to ask for what you need in every social situation to make sure you hear your best. This may feel difficult at first, but over time, as you get used to prefacing social interactions with ways to make it easier for you to hear, it will become second nature. You’ll feel the world open up to you creating access to conversations, relationships and social interactions which would otherwise be exhausting and can even lead to social isolation and loneliness.
Hearing Loss can be Exhausting
Hearing loss is a permanent condition, 90 percent of the time. This means that whether you like it or not, you are going to have to learn to live with it. This means letting people know about your situation. Let people know how exhausting it can be. If you need to take breaks and spend time recovering that’s totally alright.
People with Hearing Loss Aren’t Rude
You may miss what people say to you now and then when you have hearing loss. This clearly doesn’t mean that you are ignoring them, but people don’t always realize this. Even with hearing aids you may still not realize people have begun to speak to you. Let people know that it may be helpful to say your name before speaking to you. It may also be helpful, when appropriate to ask people to tap your shoulder or at least gain eye contact before they address you.
Tips for Communicating with those with Hearing Loss
Getting someone’s attention before speaking is just one important insight you can share with the people in your life to help improve communication with you. Other tips include:
Stand face to face: when hearing declines sight often takes over. Visual cues such as body language, facial expression and lip reading often take over. It’s helpful to make sure you have a clear view of the speaker so you can take advantage of these visual aids. Ask them to maintain eye contact and if possible, avoid covering the face.
Speak clearly and take breaks: It takes more effort to follow conversation when living with hearing loss, even with hearing aids. Ask people when having a conversation to speak clearly and in an even gate – not too fast or too slow. Let them know that it may be helpful to pause at the end of sentences to give you time to catch up. When they change the subject let them know to tell you. This could be them saying “new subject” before changing to give you time to switch gears.
Don’t shout: people often make the mistake of thinking that shouting can help a heairng impaired person hear better. In truth this can distort sounds and change the shape of the mouth which can confuse lip readers. Ask people to enunciate what they are say and speak at moderate level.
Hearing Aids Aren’t the Same as Glasses
The most common treatment for hearing loss are hearing aids. These digital devices fit in or around the ear canal and help to amplify the sounds and pitches you struggle with based on your hearing exam. These devices can be amazingly supportive for those with hearing loss, but they don’t fix hearing loss. There will still be instances where it may take extra focus to hear. When you put on a new pair of glasses your vison is instantaneously corrected. With hearing aids, it takes time for your brain to relearn to hear sounds it may have not received for years before treatment.
Seeking Treatment
It takes time, but eventually they create access and comfort in social situations- improving comprehension and giving you a chance to connect with the people in your life at home, at work and out and about. To find out more, schedule an appointment with us today!