How does one recognise hearing loss?

It is often difficult to determine when an individual has hearing loss, as it usually happens very gradually.  So, how do you know you have hearing loss? It is said that the fastest way to find out is because everyone is telling you that!

And this is partially true.

Signs of hearing loss

There are many signs that can indicate that there is some degree of hearing loss –

• The family says the TV is too loud, but you can hear comfortably;
• You cannot hear what is being said if the speaker is not looking at you;
• Or you cannot hear parts of conversations when many people are talking at the same time;
• It may also be that family members ask you to speak more softly.
• Shopping centres are also challenging with music everywhere and the noise of people, and it becomes difficult to hear and understand shop assistants or cashiers.

All these examples can be an indication of hearing loss.

What can one do?

But what now?

• The 1st step, and sometimes the most important, is to admit that you have some loss. The average person takes 7 years to admit that they have difficulty hearing. But the longer you wait to do something about it, the less likely it is to succeed. And with recognition comes the will to act actively to get help and claim the situation;
• It’s a good idea to first have your ear canal cleaned by a registered and qualified health expert. (NB: an ordinary general practitioner cannot test your hearing.)
• After that, you must have your hearing tested by an audiologist. This test involves listening to sounds of different frequencies and volumes, first in each ear separately and then together. The results of this test are indicated on an audiogram which shows exactly whether there is hearing loss, and at which frequencies. According to the audiogram, the audiologist can make a recommendation about the way forward; whether you need a hearing device or another aid;

The support of family and friends is invaluable. There are physical and emotional consequences of hearing loss which can sometimes be a lonely road, so close relatives can do a lot to help the person process hearing loss, accept it and take steps to be able to live independently.

Be sensitive

These steps include being sensitive to the person’s circumstances and helping where possible to facilitate the communication process. So…

1. Look at the person when you are talking to them so they can read your lips.
2. Do not stand in front of a light source as your face will be in shadow
3. Speak clearly and not too quickly, without over-emphasizing articulation
4. Make sure that only one person speaks at a time
5. It can also be helpful to make phone calls on the person’s behalf, or assist with communication when the person has difficulty understanding someone.
6. Try to keep background noise within the household to a minimum
7. You can also help the person in public when there are sounds that you can see they have not heard, such as an approaching car or ambulance siren.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss, please contact Michele for support.

Read more about our work on hearing loss