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Each experience of hearing loss is unique. Although we can see some trends and tendencies, it is impossible to know exactly what another person is sensing in the world. That act of sensory perception is contained within the individual consciousness, and the best we can do is try to communicate about what is happening behind the scenes. When it comes to hearing loss, we can make the mistake of assuming things without getting the story directly from the individual who has the experience. Whereas one person might hear a muffled haze of sound, another might find that particular frequencies are missing. Still others might find that background noise is competing with the voice of a speaker such that the sonic environment is a chaotic mess.
With such different experiences of hearing, accommodations need to be similarly tailored to the individual. Whereas one person might want you to slow down your speech, another person might find that insulting. Someone might appreciate your speaking louder, while another might feel as if you’re yelling at them. These differences mean that communication is the first step in pursuing accommodations for your loved one with hearing loss. Let’s begin with the act of communicating about hearing loss accommodations and proceed to think about some of the common experiences you can recall when you aren’t able to have a concerted conversation with someone who has hearing loss.
Communication First
With this wide range of experiences, it is crucial to find out what your loved one needs rather than making assumptions. Once your loved one admits to having hearing loss, it is time for a conversation about what you can do to help. Quite likely your loved one will already have a sense of what helps and what doesn’t. Don’t question your loved one’s desired accommodations or try to steer in another direction. You can simply do your best to abide by that request and do what you can to accommodate. If the accommodation is something others can do, as well, you might want to ask your loved one if it would be okay to share this request with others. Telling other family members or friends about the requested accommodation can be helpful in situations where a conversation can’t be had.
Common Accommodation Requests
Sometimes you will find yourself talking with someone who has hearing loss without the opportunity to have a full conversation about it. In the midst of this conversation, a few principles will come in handy. First, try to create a context for multi-sensory communication whenever possible. Visual communication is one of the most important modes to pursue. Whether that means making your face visible or standing in a position where it is possible to gesture, your entire body contributes to the communication process.
As for speech itself, a common request is that you avoid speaking from another room. The barriers to sound transmission can mean that your voice comes across as muffled and quiet rather than sharp and loud. Beyond these principles, you can try raising your volume of speech a little bit, but try not to do it in a way that comes across as rude or condescending. Modifying speech can sometimes backfire and seem as if you think the person can’t comprehend what you are saying.
Seeking Treatment
The best thing you can do for your loved one with hearing loss is extend your conversation about accommodations into a conversation about treatment. At first, you might just want to ask questions about their experiences, what makes it difficult to hear, and what makes it easier to hear. Once you have a natural communication process regarding hearing loss, you can start to talk about seeking help. Some people will be immediately receptive to help, while others will resist getting hearing aids. You can simply ask if a hearing test is a good idea and see what happens.
Once the conversation has begun, you have planted the seed that hearing assistance is out there for the taking. Getting some information about the options for assistance can be helpful, but the best thing you can do is provide a caring, interested ear. Your loved one will appreciate the independence and dignity afforded by allowing them to make their own decisions about hearing assistance.
If you have experienced changes in your hearing, we’re here to help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation.