The Quest Society of Summerland has some more hearing loss facts and tips on how to help a hearing impaired person hear you.
Approximately 10 per cent of the general population, 20 per cent of those over 65 and 40 per cent of those over 75 (including 80 per cent of nursing home residents) have a significant hearing problem. Hearing loss can be caused by genetic factors, illness and even ototoxic drugs. But now one of the biggest concerns is the rapid increase of noise-induced hearing loss.
There are two main reasons for the increasing number of people with hearing loss.
The overall level of noise has risen hugely all over the world.
For example, tests reveal that more than half of all iPod players on the market can play music at a volume of more than 89 decibels. That’s the noise level made by a passing car. Anyone who listens to music at this volume over a long period will suffer hearing damage.
Second, we are living longer, leading to age-related hearing loss.
People with hearing loss cut down on their social activities, may become less stable emotionally and may have difficulty concentrating.
Mild hearing loss is defined as a hearing loss of around 26 to 45 decibels. The effects are felt as if someone is not close when speaking or the background environment is noisy.
You many not be able to understand what is being said. Weak voices will be difficult to understand.
All this affects your interpersonal relations and degree of social interaction.
You can help a hearing impaired person hear you.
o Speak normally, naturally, slowly and distinctly. Do not shout or mumble.
o Avoid unnecessary noise.
o Do not talk while eating.
o Have the person get your attention before speaking.
o Do not talk too fast.
o A distance of one to two metres from a hearing impaired person is very helpful.
o If the person still has difficulty understanding, find a different way of saying the same thing rather than repeating the original words over and over.
o Words with a lot of high-frequency such as “th” or “sh” are difficult to understand. For example, instead of saying the time as “three-thirty,” say “half past three.”
o Remember your eyes, expressions and gestures are important in communicating too.
o Remember as well that at times hearing impaired people don’t hear as well or understand as easily when tired or ill.
