I was intending to write this blog on mental health issues arising form hearing loss or deafness, but last evening at a party when I mentioned my Hearing Awareness Campaign, my companions began discussing several of our friends and colleagues who everyone recognizes as having difficulty hearing, but who refuse to address the issue, so I changed my topic to investigating why people deny hearing loss. According to RNID, individuals take 10 years, on average, to address their hearing loss. RNID is urging MPs debating the Health and Social Care Bill in the UK to ensure hearing loss is recognized as a major public health issue which carries a serious impact on quality of life.
Why People Deny Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is denied for multiple reasons, such as being afraid of looking different with a hearing aid. Some people are afraid of looking old, or don't want to be thought of as having a disability. Others may not realize that their hearing loss is causing problems in daily interactions and blame others for poor communication. Still others may think their hearing loss is not serious enough for a hearing aid. People have no problem wearing glasses/contacts, makeup, push-up bras, coloring or straightening their hair, wearing corrective shoes, etc, but are afraid of a small device that will improve the quality of their life.
Of the folks that our group discussed, one admits to being ‘a bit hard of hearing’ but does not want to get a hearing aid because he is afraid it will make him look old. He cannot judge the volume of his own voice, so consequently speaks very softly, almost in a whisper, making conversation both ways difficult, and driving his wife crazy. Another ‘thinks’ there is a problem but does not want to get it checked out, due to fear of appearing disabled or admitting weakness if using a hearing aid. This person speaks exceptionally loudly, almost shouting. The funny thing is that all who interact with these folks know what is going on, so no one is being fooled.
Acceptance
The first step in coping with a hearing loss is to acknowledge --openly-- that it exists. Without self-acceptance, a successful adjustment to a hearing loss is impossible. Taking what control one can of one's problems is a healthier and more mature response than just doing nothing. It is not necessary to make a big deal of it. Just the comment that "I don't hear very well" or "You know I have a hearing loss" or any similar statement lets a person know why a specific request is being made. Actually, most people will be pleased to know what they can do to improve the communication situation. If they are interested in talking to you, they are interested in being understood by you.
Be Assertive
It is not sufficient to say "What?" when something is not understood. This does not indicate to the speaker the source of the communication breakdown. Did the hearing-impaired person not understand? Did he or she miss someone's name or a particular location? Lacking specific information, the speaker does not know what should be repeated, and if other people are involved in the conversation and the What?" happens too many times, a feeling of general annoyance is soon generated. The better strategy is to frame the "What?" as a specific request, such as "What was that name again?" or "Did you say that happened in Podunk or Poland?" or "I missed the last sentence. Would you repeat it?" Such a strategy is flattering to the speaker - someone is actually listening - and can expedite the conversation.
http://www.hearingcentral.com/copingwithhearingLoss.asp
