How to Help a Person with Hearing Loss

There are about one-third of Americans between the ages of 65 to 74 battle with hearing problems. Almost half of the people who are ages 75 and older deal with hearing loss. Hearing loss can be small such as missing certain sounds or large which is being profoundly deaf. If this is left untreated the symptoms can get worse. Other causes of hearing loss includes advanced aging, ear wax buildup, exposure to loud noises over an extended period of time, viral or bacterial infections, heart conditions, stroke, head injuries, heredity, tumors, and certain medications.

Hearing loss can affect a person's life many ways such as missing out on imperative talks with friends and family. Missing out on a conversation on the telephone, and finding it hard to hear what the caller is saying in the conversation. At the doctor's office, the person may not catch all of the doctor's words. Hearing problems can be upsetting, embarrassing and can make the person feel lonely too.

Difficulty:: Moderately Easy

Instructions

- 1
  
  Visit the doctor to diagnose and see about treatment for the problem. The doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist which is a doctor who specializes in the ear, nose and throat. You may also be referred to an audiologist which are healthcare professionals who are trained to measure hearing levels.
- 2
  
  Face the person and talk to them clearly by speaking at a reasonable speed. Going too fast will make it difficult for them to understand what is being said.
- 3
  
  Avoid hiding your mouth, eat or chew gum while talking to them. This will make it harder for them to understand what you're saying.
- 4
  
  Stand in good lighting and reduce the amount of background noises as this will help the person to hear you better.
- 5
  
  Use facial expressions and/or gestures to help give them useful clues. Repeating yourself if necessary when using different words.
- 6
  
  Include those who are hearing-impaired while talking, and be sure to talk with the person and not about the person while with others. This will really help with the person feeling included and keep from feeling alone and excluded.
- 7
  
  Be patient with the person and stay positive and relaxed.
- 8
  
  Ask the person how you can help them out the best.

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Tuesday, May 10, 2011