Did You Hear That? Why We Need To Be Talking About Hearing Loss
We often associate ideas surrounding hearing loss with the elderly, who may begin to rely on hearing aids as they get older. However, any person can go deaf at any age, for a multitude of reasons that are often beyond their control. In fact, a study by the World Health Organization found that 34 million children across the world suffer from hearing loss. As a result, it is important that we change our perceptions regarding deafness and find new ways to raise awareness and bring the concept into everyday discussion. By raising awareness, we are taking positive steps in removing the stigma surrounding deafness and moving towards a more inclusive society.
One of the most important reasons as to why we should talk more often about deafness is so that we are aware of the potential causes. These include:
Frequency or continuous exposure to loud noises (Listening to music that is too loud, spending time around a building site, etc)
Birth defects or pregnancy complications
Build-up of fluid in the ear
Build-up of wax in the ear
Aging
Injury/Head Trauma
Illnesses such as meningitis or diabetes
Drug use
For ear, nose, or throat issues stemming from loud noises, an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) is your go-to. They assess ear structures, diagnose problems, and perform surgeries if needed. On the other hand, a neurologist can pinpoint the cause of post-head injury hearing loss through various tests and recommend treatments like medication, surgery, or therapies, including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists provide communication strategies, while physical therapists help with inner ear-related dizziness through balance-improving exercises.
Regardless of the cause, if you have a friend or family member who is suffering from hearing loss, you must find innovative ways to support them through this difficult time. You need to find a perfect balance of being supportive and aware of the change, whilst not patronizing them or treating them like a child. They are more aware than anyone else is of the changes they are going through, and do not need you to baby them - rather just offer support when possible. You can provide them with support by:
Being a shoulder to cry on as and when they need it
Listening to them, letting them voice any feelings of anger and frustration
Keeping them socially engaged, encouraging them to participate in their usual day-to-day activities.
Pointing them towards resources such as therapy and support groups, alongside any interesting articles that offer support.
With so many people each year suffering from hearing loss, it is also vitally important that we find a way to include them in the conversation. As a result, it is vitally important that people outside of the hearing impaired community begin to learn sign language. In fact, there is currently a huge push from numerous charities to have ASL taught in schools. With so many children suffering from deafness, having their peers be able to communicate with them would be life-changing.
Another important reason as to why we should try to discuss deafness and the issues surrounding it more frequently is to raise awareness and funds. When supporting charities and medical research, you are helping take the necessary steps forward in supporting those who suffer from deafness, working towards discovering new treatments. With hearing aids getting continually more powerful each year, funding more focused research could help restore some normalcy to those who suffer from numerous issues, letting them once again be part of the conversation.
Addressing hearing loss necessitates empathy and understanding across various contexts. In personal discussions, selecting a quiet environment conducive to heartfelt exchanges is crucial, while expressing unwavering support and fostering open dialogue is crucial.
In professional settings, arranging confidential meetings allows for exploring accommodations and effective communication strategies. Social gatherings provide opportunities to normalize discussions about hearing loss, offering support and integrating it seamlessly into casual conversation. Collaborating with educators is essential in educational environments to implement tailored accommodations, educate peers, and empower self-advocacy.
Both the public and private sectors can assist individuals with hearing loss. The public sector can contribute through legislation ensuring accessibility, funding research and education campaigns, and offering training programs. Meanwhile, the private sector can help by developing accessible products and services, creating inclusive workplaces, supporting community initiatives, and integrating accessibility features into technology.
