Deaf awareness week is from the 1st to 7th May- the theme is “Deaf inclusion”. As part of this I will share a bit about me and why it is so important we support individuals experiencing hearing loss. Many of you will know that I was born severely deaf and had a further loss of hearing six years ago. The impact of this change of hearing was surprisingly quick. I found myself in a downward spiral of isolation, loss of confidence and depression. This all happened within a space of a few months. This experience opened my eyes to the challenges of others who lose their hearing later in life.
The Challenge of Change
A change in hearing, whether mild or more, is challenging; but why?
Our lives rely on communication with others. Connections are lost when our ability to hear and interact becomes more challenging. This is significant because it leads many individuals to further isolate themselves. On average, it will take a person nine years to address their hearing loss. During this time our brains are no longer getting the stimulation we get from conversation which is why the risk of developing dementia increases too. Evidence of this risk has been growing and was recently shared in this Guardian article about a study which found that hearing aids could reduce the risk of dementia. (13th April 2023).
Furthermore, the longer the brain is left without hearing, the less effective hearing aids are for picking up specific sounds. For example, after seven years the brain feels overwhelmed when hearing aids are used for some noises. Even pleasant noises like bird song. This leads to individuals not using their hearing aid or taking them out frequently.
Another challenge is stigma, which is still very prevalent. Yet we do not see the same stigmatisation towards people wearing glasses. Therefore, we all need to normalise the wearing of hearing aids. Over the years hearing aids have become smaller and discreet. Some are even hidden within the ear, though these are not practical for everyone. If you know colleagues, family and friends struggling with hearing please encourage them to get a hearing test. The test is painless and helpful for identifying what is needed to improve prospective hearing. Although helpful for many, hearing aids are not the only resources available. According to the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) as many as 6.7 million would benefit but only 2 million have taken up hearing aids. This is why I share how hearing aids work and their potential benefits in our course on Deaf Awareness.
Techniques and Technology
In addition to encouraging all of us to take action as above it is important we all learn of techniques and technologies that are inclusive of people with hearing loss. This includes mainstream technology. For example, I have personally gained enormously from transcription services increasingly available on computers and phones. The best for me has been the Pixel phone. There are helpful techniques once known that can make a big difference. Join us to learn more about what you and others can do to be inclusive of anyone with hearing loss. Many of our shared techniques are also inclusive of many other disabilities and even non disabled people.
Therefore, good practice benefits everyone.
Further links
- Accommodating Deaf and Hard of Hearing People in the Workplace – An article I wrote for Facilitate Magazine
- Living 4 Moments Deaf Awareness Training Course for individuals and professionals
- Living 4 Moments Learning Disability and Hearing Loss Training Course for professionals as well as family and friends
York Deaf Services Fair 2023
Join us at this year’s Deaf Services Fair, hosted by Lollipop.
When: Thursday 4th May, 6-8pm
Where: Temple Hall, York St John University
For more information, visit the Lollipop Deaf Services Fair event page on their website.
We look forward to meeting you there.
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