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As with the eye, the ear's performance is affected by aging, which
can severely hinder communication between you and your family. When it
occurs in conjunction with vision loss, you may feel increasingly
isolated from your loved ones and the rest of the world. Fortunately,
there are steps you can take today to ensure that you remain a fully
engaged participant in the world around you.
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Assistive listening devices are helpful communication tools for people who are losing their hearing.
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Visit a hearing specialist. If you haven't done so already,
talking to a specialist is the best way to determine if an assistive
listening device is right for you. It's very possible that one of
a wide variety of such devices can help restore some or even most of
your hearing capacity.
Visit an audiologist. Some severe ear conditions cannot be
corrected with a device, but there are alternative communication
skills you can learn. An audiologist can help you determine what sort
of hearing condition you have and what resources are available.
Educate your loved ones. Family members will often be confused
and uncomfortable when trying to overcome the communication barriers
that hearing loss (and vision loss) can create. They will make
mistakes. Take command of the situation by giving them a few simple guidelines. Start with this sample "To Do" list. Ask family
members to post it on the fridge.
A Special Family "To Do" List
- Speak slowly, clearly, and directly to me.
- Avoid shouting (it only distorts what I CAN hear).
- Try gestures (pointing) to help get your message across.
- Speak in low tones. (Hearing loss affects high-range sounds first.)
- Remember not to speak to me from another room.
- Move away from background noise (a stereo, open window, competing
conversations, etc.).
- Allow for more "processing" time. (It takes me a
little longer than before to process what you're saying so
give another moment or two before moving on to the next point.)
- I may be losing my hearing, but the noggin is running just
fine. (Please try not to "talk down" to me because
I'm having trouble hearing you. My mind is as sharp as it ever
was.)
Thank you!
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Understanding my diagnosis helped me take control of my vision loss.
